Abstract: In certain embodiments, a multi-channel capacitive sensor for measuring capacitances of sense electrodes to a system reference potential comprises a sample capacitor having first and second terminals. The sensor comprises a first diode having a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the sample capacitor and a second terminal coupled to a first sense electrode, and comprises a second diode having a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the sample capacitor and a second terminal coupled to a second sense electrode. A control circuit is operable to apply a drive signal to the first terminal of the sample capacitor and apply a bias signal to the respective second terminals of at least one of the first and second diodes so as to selectively prevent the at least one of the first and second diodes from conducting the drive signal to respectively connected sense electrodes.

Abstract: An improved weight distribution sensory device with integrated controls is provided. Such a weight distribution sensory device, often referred to as a balance platform, may include a chassis for supporting a user, pressure sensors and control sensors coupled to the chassis, and a processor. The pressure sensors generate pressure data regarding the compression force from the weight of the user on the chassis. The control sensors are located on a forward dorsal portion of the chassis, and may generate control data when manipulated by the user. The control sensors include at least one proximity sensor which senses object proximity (such as the user's foot) in a narrow band above the sensor along the y-axis. The processor may then receive the pressure data and the control data, and may generate a total weight of the user and a weight distribution of the user, and action data for the user by cross referencing the weight distribution with the control data.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient, such as a hospital bed, is provided. The apparatus includes a patient support surface and at least one fluid containing bladder. A pressure control assembly is operably coupled with the bladder. When the fluid pressure within the bladder falls outside of an acceptable range of pressure values, the active adjustment of the pressure within the bladder is initiated by the pressure control assembly if the pressure does not return to the acceptable range of pressure values within a time period, e.g., a time delay, that has a variable length.

Abstract: A method for determining postural stability of a person can include acquiring a plurality of pressure data points over a period of time from at least one pressure sensor. The method can also include the step of identifying a postural state for each pressure data point to generate a plurality of postural states. The method can include the step of determining a postural state of the person at a point in time based on at least the plurality of postural states.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing custom orthotics are described. Several embodiments of the system use sensor pads to obtain both static and dynamic three dimensional information concerning the shape or topography of the bottom surface of a patient's foot. The information is analyzed to obtain information useful in constructing a custom orthotic from a selection of basic orthotic shells. Once constructed, the orthotic can modify a patient's gait. One embodiment of the present invention includes a user terminal including a sensor pad connected to a computer, a server configured to analyze three dimensional information acquired by the sensor pad, a manufacturing terminal configured to display the results of the server's analysis of the three dimensional information and a network that connects the user terminal to the server and the server to the manufacturing terminal.

Abstract: A MEMS pressure sensing module is respectively applied in a boxing target and compressible toy both having an output circuit for coupling with a terminal electronic device. The MEMS pressure sensing module is configured for sensing a pressure applied thereon, converting the pressure values into electronic signals, and calculating a value of the pressure according to the electronic signals. The MEMS pressure sensing module is connected with the output circuit such that a user is able to obtain the pressure value from the terminal electronic apparatus.

Abstract: Sensing a force and/or a change in motion proximate to an arbitrarily-shaped surface via a conformal sensing element (e.g., a pressure sensor, an accelerometer) disposed on a flexible substrate and having a sufficient mechanical coupling to the surface. The conformality of the sensing element facilitates intimate proximity to the surface to ensure accurate sensing. Examples of arbitrarily-shaped surfaces include body parts of a person (e.g., a head). A processor receiving one or more signals from the sensing element may provide information relating to possible injury to a body part (e.g., head trauma) resulting from sensed forces and/or changes in motion. Such information may be conveyed by one or more output devices that provide indications of possible degrees of injury/trauma. A conformal sensing apparatus may be integrated with a protective garment or accessory, such as a helmet, wherein the conformality of the sensing apparatus also ensures sufficient comfort for the wearer.

Abstract: A dive computer with a free dive mode and/or wireless data transmission capabilities. In one embodiment the invention relates to a diving apparatus including a dive computer having a free dive mode, where the dive computer is configured to calculate a nitrogen loading in the free dive mode using a default value which is the fraction of oxygen in air, and where the free dive mode is used when a diver makes a dive without a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Another embodiment includes a method of operating a dive computer including recording two or more first identifiers, receiving pressure information from two or more pressure transmitters, the pressure information comprising second identifiers and pressure measurements, determining whether the pressure information contains one of the two or more first identifiers, and displaying a message indicative of the pressure information that contains one of the two or more first identifiers.

Abstract: An insole type navigation apparatus for indicating the direction of a user by interworking with a navigation device providing a road guidance service, includes: a GPS module mounted on the user's shoes and providing the user's location information to the navigation device; a plurality of vibration motors mounted in the insole of the shoes and indicating the recommended direction of the user's travel through vibrations; and a controller selectively driving vibration motors corresponding to each direction to inform the user about the direction of a destination, when the navigation device provides the road guidance service.

Abstract: A monitoring device is arranged to receive a time-dependent measurement signal from a pressure sensor in a fluid containing system, which is associated with a first pulse generator and a second pulse generator. The pressure sensor is arranged in the fluid containing system to detect a first pulse originating from the first pulse generator and a second pulse originating from the second pulse generator. The monitoring device is configured to process the measurement signal to remove the first pulse. In this process, the monitoring device receives the measurement signal, obtains a first pulse profile which is a predicted temporal signal profile of the first pulse, and filters the measurement signal in the time-domain, using the first pulse profile, to essentially eliminate the first pulse while retaining the second pulse. The fluid containing system may include an extracorporeal blood flow circuit and a blood circuit of a human patient.

Abstract: A system for determining at least one point of application of force on a surface element is provided. The system includes a surface element having an effective mass, at least one sensor configured to measure force applied on the surface element at least one acceleration sensor configured to measure acceleration in at least one direction, and a processing unit configured to receive, from the at least one sensor, signals indicating force applied on the surface element, to receive, from the at least one acceleration sensor, signals indicating acceleration, to filter out a disturbing force, determined based on acceleration signals and the effective mass of the surface element, from the signals indicating the force applied on the surface element, and to determine, based on the filtered signals, at least one point of application of force on the surface element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and analyzing the pressure distribution on the foot of a bowler. Methods are taught for analyzing a bowler's performance. In some embodiments, the bowler performs a plurality of bowling motions. The distribution of pressure exerted on the foot are measured and recorded at regular time intervals. The bowler's performance is evaluated based upon the recorded pressure distributions. Methods are also taught for using recorded foot pressure distribution data to fit a bowler with proper footwear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the work required to expel a tampon from a tampon applicator having a barrel containing the tampon and a plunger for expelling the tampon from the barrel. The method includes the steps of selecting and applying an applicator gripping test force to a grip zone on the barrel of the tampon applicator and selecting a tampon expulsion test rate and applying a force to the plunger sufficient to expel the tampon from the barrel of the tampon applicator at the selected tampon expulsion test rate. Further, the method includes the step of calculating the force on the plunger required to expel the tampon from the barrel at the selected tampon expulsion test rate as a function of the distance the tampon travels during expulsion.

Abstract: A method for detecting the onset of drowsiness in an operator of a vehicle or other apparatus. The operator grips a steering wheel or similar control handle, which continuously outputs gripping signals. The method provides for dynamic offset removal to obtain baseline signals, selection of physiologically-significant signals, combining and processing signals to form a proxy signal, analysis of the proxy signals to detect patterns indicative of the onset of drowsiness, and generating alerts as appropriate. The method provides for multiple sliding windows, for dynamic baseline adjustment; and statistical processing to detect physiologically-meaningful patterns indicative of the onset of drowsiness, as distinct from incidental changes in operator gripping through hand position readjustment during normal operation.

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

Abstract: A dive computer with a free dive mode and/or wireless data transmission capabilities. In one embodiment the invention relates to a diving apparatus including a dive computer having a free dive mode, where the dive computer is configured to calculate a nitrogen loading in the free dive mode using a default value which is the fraction of oxygen in air, and where the free dive mode is used when a diver makes a dive without a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Another embodiment includes a method of operating a dive computer including recording two or more first identifiers, receiving pressure information from two or more pressure transmitters, the pressure information comprising second identifiers and pressure measurements, determining whether the pressure information contains one of the two or more first identifiers, and displaying a message indicative of the pressure information that contains one of the two or more first identifiers.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated mattress or chair pressure sensor enclosed within a flexible protective envelope is provided with active electronic devices that can monitor the state of the sensor. The electronic devices are mounted on, within or alongside the pressure sensor and can include a transmitter device. A remote patient monitoring system is realized by the electronics and sensor within a disposable protective envelope.

Abstract: A tonometry device includes a contact device for contacting the object, means for vibrating the contact device and the object, means for applying a voltage to the vibration means, means for measuring a current flowing through the vibration means, and an information processing means. The information processing means determines two resonance points of the device and the measured object by measuring current through the system at a plurality of vibrational frequencies. The information processing means then determines the internal pressure of the object by determining that a first pressure is higher than a second pressure by determining that the first pressure has a lower measured current than the second pressure at frequencies outside of the range of frequencies between the resonance points, and that the first pressure has a higher measured current than the second pressure at frequencies within the range of frequencies between the resonance points.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting the start of a dive for a portable electronic device (1) comprising a pressure sensor (5) for measuring the value of the ambient pressure (P) as well as electronic circuits (2) for processing the pressure measurement results comprising a time base (4) and at least one memory zone (7, 8). The detection method updates the reference pressure value (Pref) on the basis of ambient pressure (P) measurements, this value being used to detect the start of a dive. In certain particular conditions, the method according to the present invention suspects the start of a dive, and backs up the value (Psauv) of the reference pressure (Pref) stored before updating. If the start of a dive is confirmed after having been suspected, the reference pressure value (Pref) stored is replaced by the backed up value (Psauv) upon activation of the dive mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to variable resistance zones for sensing input to an electronic device, as well as ministops for controlling deformation of the input components to ensure the accuracy of the inputs sensed. In one embodiment, a system in accordance with the present invention includes multiple variable resistors, an actuator, and a converter. The actuator overlies the multiple pressure-sensitive variable resistors and is configured to generate a pressure at a contact location on the multiple variable resistors. The converter is coupled to the multiple variable resistors and is programmed to map a pressure at the contact location to a pressure, location, or both along the surface of the actuator.

Abstract: A fingerprint matching apparatus includes a fingerprint distortion detection unit for detecting whether or not a correlation object intentionally distorts the finger put on the fingerprint reading face by, for example, applying excessively large force to the finger, or dragging or rolling the finger. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a distorted fingerprint image from flowing into the fingerprint matching apparatus and therefore the probability of accurate fingerprint correlation can be increased.

Abstract: If the diving mode is erroneously entered while travelling at a high altitude, such as when flying in an airplane, the error is detected so that calculating tissue in/out-gassing of inert gases continues. The control unit 50 of the dive computer records the water depth corresponding to the pressure measured by the depth measuring unit 61 together with the elapsed time, determines if the user is moving in a low pressure region based on water entry detection by a water entry detection unit and the depth detected by the depth measuring unit 61, and if the user is determined to be travelling in a low pressure region cancels measuring the water depth, cancels the wrongly selected operating mode, and changes from the operating mode used when diving to an operating used when not diving.

Abstract: A method for determining a mobility of foot comprising: measuring at least a portion of a shape of the foot under a first weight load; measuring the at least the portion of the shape of the foot under a second weight load; and comparing the measurement under the first weight load to the measurement under the second weight load, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of the foot.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and analyzing the pressure distribution on the foot of a bowler. Methods are taught for analyzing a bowler's performance. In some embodiments, the bowler performs a plurality of bowling motions. The distribution of pressure exerted on the foot are measured and recorded at regular time intervals. The bowler's performance is evaluated based upon the recorded pressure distributions. Methods are also taught for using recorded foot pressure distribution data to fit a bowler with proper footwear.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile mattress sensor system is described, the system includes a pressure sensing pad and a computer device having an associated display operable to receive signals from the pressure sensing pad and cause the display a body map associated with the received signals. The mobile mapping system further includes a power source for powering the computer device, and a cart for transporting the pressure sensing pad, computer device, and power source. The mobile body mapping system allows a user to transport the mobile body mapping system throughout a store to test and generate body maps for different mattresses. Further, many different mattresses may be uniquely tested for a particular user with a single pressure sensing pad (as opposed to having multiple pressure sensing pads and computing devices for each mattress or a small set of “test” beds including pressure sensing pads and computing devices).

Abstract: A method of controlling a device for underwater use includes detecting a user-interaction with the electronic device based on signals received from an accelerometer, and performing an operation as a result of the user-interaction.

Abstract: A system for judging a ski or snowboard allows a ski board or snowboard most suitable for each skier or snowboarder to be judged by considering the leg strength of each skier or snowboarder. The system includes a storage means for storing a bending characteristic of the ski or snowboard, an input means for inputting the weight and leg strength of the skier or snowboarder, a board characteristic detecting means for determining a bending characteristic of a ski or snowboard that corresponds to the weight and leg strength, and a board searching means for searching the storage means for skis or snowboards that correspond to the bending characteristics determined by the board characteristic detecting means.

Abstract: A system integrating machine vision, interactive module and rehabilitation equipment primarily comprises a rehabilitation equipment, at least one image-capture device for continuously capturing images of specific limbs or a trunk of a user operating the rehabilitation equipment so as to generate digital image data, and a machine vision recognition unit for processing the digital image data into characteristic image data that can be analyzed and applied by a host computer belonging to the machine vision recognition unit. Then, the host computer can transform the characteristic image data into direction signals and velocity signals with respect to movements of the user's limbs and trunk and afterward output the signals to an interactive module.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device. The device comprises a measurement component for measuring blood pressure and a display component for displaying the blood pressure data measured. The display component is adapted to display simultaneously at least two sets of blood pressure measurement data measured at different date or time. Alternatively, the device further comprises a measurement state control component for recording and storing at least one measurement state related to the measurement of the blood pressure, and means for providing the at least one measurement state. Alternatively, the device further comprises an interfacing component that comprises a bi-direction multifunctional port, for exchanging blood pressure data measured between the blood pressure measurement device and at least one external device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle model is disclosed. The vehicle model includes a main vehicle module including a primary base and a number of components. The number of main vehicle module components is moveably mounted to the main vehicle module primary base. The vehicle model also includes a secondary vehicle module including a number of components. The main vehicle module and secondary vehicle modules are relatively positionable relative to one another to obtain a first and second vehicle configuration. The first and second vehicle configurations are different from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating a customized insole for footwear using information relating to pressure applied by the sole of a foot, which information is correlated to removable pieces of the insole. Embodiments include a method and apparatus for generating a customized insole for footwear, including receiving data from a pressure plate corresponding to a pressure map of the sole of a foot; determining regions of high relative pressure exceeding a predetermined relative pressure level within the pressure map; and associating data related to the regions of high relative pressure to an insole including removable insole pieces corresponding to the pressure map.

Abstract: A conventional mouse and keyboard poses great load on the user's finger and hands at key operation, and the material used for its surface is rigid. An input device which can reduce the load on the user's finger, and gives soft touch by avoiding abrupt change in downward pressure at key operation. The input device includes elastic material on the surface, a camera to image the back surface of a key when the key is pressed, an image processor which determines finger position from the image, and an output which generates a signal according to the finger position. By using this input device, the user can carry out operations similar to those achieved by a mouse and keyboard for a computer.

Abstract: Dive computers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed that store information concerning a dive site. The stored information can be accessed during the dive to provide information concerning such things as points of interest and/or hazards. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor, memory connected to the processor, a pressure transducer connected to the processor and configured to measure depth, and a display connected to the processor. In addition, the memory contains factual information concerning a dive site, and the processor is configured to display at least a portion of the stored factual information concerning the dive site via the display.

Abstract: A mathematical model that models gas exchange of a central compartment with an environment having a model gas is provided. The central compartment is modeled to be in direct fluid communication with a plurality of peripheral compartments and with the environment to exchange the model gas therewith. Using a measure of an inert gas in a breathing mixture over a period of exposure of a person to the breathing mixture as a measure of the model gas in the environment over the time period, a measure of the model gas in the central compartment can be calculated according to the model. A risk of decompression sickness to the person resulting from the exposure can then be calculated based on the calculated measure of the model gas in the central compartment.

Abstract: A couple shopping for a mattress are helped to select a physiologically suitable mattress by a system which uses a questionnaire to elicit important information from the people. The questionnaire data is processed automatically, preferably in combination with physically measured data, to generate a recommendation of which available mattress system is most suitable for both people, or, if no mattress system is suitable for both people, then a recommendation for separate mattress systems which can conjoined or used together.

Abstract: A low power analog linear temperature sensor integrateable with digital and/or analog circuits in CMOS fabrication processes. The sensor is accurately calibrateable at a single temperature that yields a linear relationship between measured differential voltage and temperature over a wide variety of temperature ranges. The sensor provides stable voltage and current references that are essential for wireless sensor platforms. There are many applications where sensors require stable voltage/current references and the physics of the sensor's transduction mechanisms are themselves temperature dependent. Wireless platforms such as, but not limited to, passive RFID tags with the addition of on- or off-chip sensors provide a low cost solution for a variety of low cost sensor applications.

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

Abstract: A boxing training device comprising a body having an inner layer and an outer layer separated by a gap. A compressible fluid is disposed within the gap. A sensor for sensing the pressure within the gap upon compression of the fluid is disposed within the gap. A circuit, including the sensor determines and displays the force of an impact to the outer layer, which causes compression.

Abstract: A medical device communication system may comprise a medical device and a wireless communication circuit mounted to the medical device. The wireless communication circuit is configured to broadcast information relating to the medical device. The medical device may be one of a surgical tool and an implant configured for subcutaneous implantation in a living biological body.

Abstract: A diving computer is provided. The diving computer includes a computer connected to a dot matrix screen to display information concerning a dive. The computer has an interface to an external personal computer for reprogrammably configuring the information displayed on the screen. The user may customize the information on one or more views of the screen in several ways. The user may select the desired information to be displayed, and may customize the size and placement of the information on one or more views. The diving computer also has a number of pre-programmed displays that may be selected, each of which present different layouts and organizations of diving related information.

Abstract: A method for determining a mobility of foot comprising: measuring at least a portion of a shape of the foot under a first weight load; measuring the at least the portion of the shape of the foot under a second weight load; and comparing the measurement under the first weight load to the measurement under the second weight load, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe-based weight measuring system, comprising: a shoe; one or more weight sensitive detectors constructed and arranged with the shoe to sense weight of a person wearing the shoe and walking or standing; a processor for processing signals from the detectors to determine a weight of the person; a remote receiver; and a communications port for wirelessly communicating the weight to the remote receiver. An on demand weight system, comprising a weight detector coupled with a shoe for sensing weight of a person on the detector, a processor processing information from the detector for determining applied weight, a personal data display, and a communications port for wirelessly relaying the applied weight to the data display.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (1) is described, in particular of bracelet watch type, comprising at least first and second display members (8 and 9), means (23, 31) for making measurements of a physical magnitude related to the value of the altitude and a memory zone (26) for storing the measured values of the physical magnitude. The electronic circuits (20) of the device are adapted to control the analog display members, in one mode of operation called the rate of climb mode, so that a first display member (9) indicates the instantaneous rate of change of altitude and the second display member (8) indicates the value of a mean rate of change of altitude against appropriate graduations (10) of the device. Such a device finds its principle application in the field of aeronautical sports.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing custom orthotics are described. Several embodiments of the system use sensor pads to obtain both static and dynamic three dimensional information concerning the shape or topography of the bottom surface of a patient's foot. The information is analyzed to obtain information useful in constructing a custom orthotic from a selection of basic orthotic shells. Once constructed, the orthotic can modify a patient's gait. One embodiment of the present invention includes a user terminal including a sensor pad connected to a computer, a server configured to analyze three dimensional information acquired by the sensor pad, a manufacturing terminal configured to display the results of the server's analysis of the three dimensional information and a network that connects the user terminal to the server and the server to the manufacturing terminal.

Abstract: A planar pressure-sensitive switch unit has multiple pressure-sensitive switches that are disposed in a longitudinal direction of a bumper cover of a vehicle with given intervals for detecting the number of collision objects. Collision load sensors are disposed between a bumper reinforcement and side members for detecting a total collision load by adding up two outputs. Then, a collision load per a single collision object is computed by dividing the total collision load by the number of collision objects and is compared with a collision load corresponding to a pedestrian. Thus, even when the vehicle collides with multiple objects at the same time, collision with a pedestrian can be properly determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating a customized insole for footwear using information relating to pressure applied by the sole of a foot, which information is correlated to removable pieces of the insole. Embodiments include a method and apparatus for generating a customized insole for footwear, comprising receiving data from a pressure plate corresponding to a pressure map of the sole of a foot; determining regions of high relative pressure exceeding a predetermined relative pressure level within the pressure map; and associating data related to the regions of high relative pressure to an insole comprising removable insole pieces corresponding to the pressure map.

Abstract: A digital thermometer; having an thermometer body comprises a processing unit serves to integrate the signals of the digital thermometer and sets some operations; the processing unit calculating temperature from the heating sensing unit and then transfers temperature signals; before a predetermined measured time, if a thermal balance has been achieved, the processing unit will conduct the backlight plate to emit light so as to alert the user that the measurement will complete; a heating sensing unit for sensing temperatures of an object to be measured; a display unit for receiving electronic signals from the heating sensing unit so as to display the measured temperature; and a backlight plate for receiving signals from the processing unit and emitting light to illuminate the display unit.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for individually adapting the saddle of a two-wheeled vehicle, especially bicycle saddles. The local pressing pressure of the buttocks of a test subject is measured on a adapting device (1) with a measuring saddle (2) and a pressure-measuring device (4) arranged on or in the seat surface at individual points or over a large area and in a localizing manner and evaluated. The two-wheeled vehicle saddle (8) is specifically adapted to the shape of the individual buttocks corresponding to the measuring results and is additionally cushioned where the contact pressure is higher.

Abstract: If the diving mode is erroneously entered while travelling at a high altitude, such as when flying in an airplane, the error is detected so that calculating tissue in/out-gassing of inert gases continues. The control unit 50 of the dive computer records the water depth corresponding to the pressure measured by the depth measuring unit 61 together with the elapsed time, determines if the user is moving in a low pressure region based on water entry detection by a water entry detection unit and the depth detected by the depth measuring unit 61, and if the user is determined to be travelling in a low pressure region cancels measuring the water depth, cancels the wrongly selected operating mode, and changes from the operating mode used when diving to an operating used when not diving.

Abstract: A person shopping for a mattress is helped to select a physiologically suitable mattress by a system which uses a questionnaire to elicit important information from the person. The questionnaire is processed automatically to generate a recommendation of which available mattress system is most suitable for the person.