Abstract: Various approaches for automated fall detection, implemented in wearables and other device form factors of a personal emergency response system (PERS) are disclosed. In an example, a hybrid approach for fall detection includes: identifying a potential fall event from three-dimensional motion data of a human subject, using filtering rules; evaluating the motion data with a machine learning model (e.g., a decision tree ensemble (DTE) model), to produce a first determination that a fall has occurred; evaluating the motion data with a deep learning neural network (e.g., recurrent neural network such as a gated recurrent unit (GRU)), to produce a second determination that a fall has occurred; classifying the potential fall event as a fall condition for the human subject, based on the first determination and the second determination; and outputting data to indicate the fall condition for the human subject.

Abstract: Various applications of computer vision and artificial intelligence to basketball practice and game situations are described.

Abstract: A system (10) for pedestrian use includes an accelerometer (110) having multiple electronic sensors; an electronic circuit (100) operable to generate a signal stream representing magnitude of overall acceleration sensed by the accelerometer (110), and to electronically correlate a sliding window (520) of the signal stream with itself to produce peaks at least some of which represent walking steps, and further operable to electronically execute a periodicity check (540) to compare different step periods for similarity, and if sufficiently similar then to update (560) a portion of the circuit substantially representing a walking-step count; and an electronic display (190) responsive to the electronic circuit (100) to display information at least in part based on the step count. Other systems, electronic circuits and processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A cognitive function evaluation device includes: an obtainment unit configured to obtain, as gait data, at least one of first data and second data, the first data indicating a sway amount of a body of a subject during walking in a first walking section from start of walking of the subject to a predetermined number of steps, and the second data indicating a sway amount of the body of the subject during walking in a second walking section in a double task state in which the subject is walking while doing a given assignment, the second walking section being after the first walking section; a calculation unit configured to calculate a feature value based on the gait data; an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a cognitive function of the subject, based on the feature value; and an output unit configured to output a result of evaluation by the evaluation unit.

Abstract: A wrist-wearable electronic device comprising first and second light emitting elements, a sensor, and a processor. The processor is configured to transmit a first command to the first light emitting element in response to the wrist-wearable device reaching a forward position relative to a user based on data received from the sensor and transmit a second command to the second light emitting element in response to the wrist-wearable device reaching a rearward position relative to the user based on the data from the sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus (12) that samples a signal obtained or derived from an accelerometer, filters the samples, accumulates the filtered samples, and determines which limb the apparatus is associated with based on a comparison of the filtered accumulated samples and a threshold set.

Abstract: A device that non-invasively detects objects beneath or around the foot or a foot position and transmits signals which are processed and then output via an output device on a skin surface not affected by a neurological deficit, such as the hands or thighs. This device is suitable for subjects with diabetic neuropathy who have lost sensation in their feet and are at risk of punctures, cuts or other physical damage and at risk of sprains, strains or falls due to lack of an ability to detect objects underfoot and foot position.

Abstract: A method includes: collecting an original signal in a specified time interval, and performing combined acceleration processing on the original signal to obtain a combined acceleration signal; performing state processing on the combined acceleration signal to obtain a motion time interval, and extracting a plurality of feature groups from the combined acceleration signal according to a preset motion rule; and performing screening on the plurality of feature groups to obtain a first feature group, extracting a median value from the first feature group, and obtaining a stride frequency in the specified time interval based on the median value and a collection frequency, and obtaining a quantity of steps through calculation based on the motion time interval and the stride frequency.

Abstract: Example systems may include a head-mounted device configured to present an artificial reality view to a user, a control device including a plurality of electromyography (EMG) sensors, and at least one physical processor programmed to receive EMG data based on signals detected by the EMG sensors, detect EMG signals corresponding to user gestures within the EMG data, classify the EMG signals to identify gesture types, and provide control signals based on the gesture types, wherein the control signal triggers the head-mounted device to modify the artificial reality view. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: In example implementations, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion and a plurality of legs movably coupled to the body portion. The body portion is to rest on a backside of a hand of a user. Each one of the plurality of legs include a curved portion to fit between fingers of a user. Respective ends of the plurality of legs are to contact a palm of the user.

Abstract: A method of differentiating between a strain and a contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) of a subject includes receiving data generated by an orientation sensor provided within a vaginal probe device that is located within the vaginal canal of the subject and utilizing a processor to process data generated by the orientation sensor to determine a direction of rotation of the vaginal probe device during a measurement period. When the processor determines that the vaginal probe device has rotated in the cranial-ventral direction relative to the subject, an output is generated indicating that there has been a contraction of the PFM during the measurement period; and when the processor determines that the vaginal probe device has rotated in the caudal-dorsal direction relative to the subject, an output is generated indicating that there has been a strain of the PFM during the measurement period.

Abstract: A method for detecting an injury of a quadruped includes: receiving measured data that is based on a gait of the quadruped and includes acceleration in a top-bottom direction and acceleration in a front-back direction; determining timings of putting legs of the quadruped on the ground based on the acceleration in the top-bottom direction, included in the received measured data, and determining whether or not each of the legs is injured based on values, corresponding to the determined timing of putting the legs on the ground, of the acceleration in the front-back direction.

Abstract: A work step of electrical connection between a writing pressure detector and a circuit element of a circuit is reduced. An electronic pen includes a writing pressure detector that detects a pressure applied to a core body disposed on one end side of a tubular chassis in the axial center direction, a circuit board for which a flexible substrate formed into a shape allowed to extend in the axial center direction is used in the chassis, and a holder housed in the chassis in such a manner as to hold the writing pressure detector and the circuit board and extend in the axial center direction. In the circuit board, a writing pressure detector placement part, a circuit placement part at which a predetermined circuit is formed, and a line part at which a line pattern that electrically connects a component of the writing pressure detector placed on the writing pressure detector placement part and a circuit element of the circuit placement part is formed are formed to line up in the axial center direction.

Abstract: A method for determining a mechanical load to which a component was exposed. The component comprises at least one sensor that is arranged in a force flow of the mechanical load and that emits a measurement signal in the event of a mechanical load.

Abstract: A system for assessing a spinal disorder includes a wearable electronic device having one or more sensors and an assessment system. The wearable electronic device is configured to be positioned on a portion of a lower back of a wearer, and the one or more sensors are configured to obtain patient data associated with the wearer. The system receives patient data from the one or more sensors, where the patient data includes movement data associated with movement of the lower back of the wearer, classifies the movement data into an initial grouping, further classifies the at least a portion of the movement data into one of the plurality of activity categories, generate a score corresponding to the at least a portion of the movement data based on the activity category to which the movement data is classified, and cause the score to be displayed via a client electronic device.

Abstract: Provided is a fabric including a plurality of fibers disposed in a fabric configuration. At least one of the fibers comprises a device fiber having a device fiber body including a device fiber body material, having a longitudinal axis along a device fiber body length. A plurality of discrete devices are disposed as a linear sequence within the device fiber body along at least a portion of the device fiber body length. Each discrete device includes at least one electrical contact pad. The device fiber body includes device fiber body material regions disposed between adjacent discrete devices in the linear sequence, separating adjacent discrete devices. At least one electrical conductor is disposed within the device fiber body along at least a portion of the device fiber body length. The electrical conductor is disposed in electrical connection with an electrical contact pad of discrete devices within the device fiber body.

Abstract: Pacer activity data of a user may be managed. For example, historical activity data of a user corresponding to a particular time of a day prior to a current day may be received. Additionally, a user interface configured to display an activity goal of the user may be generated and the user interface may be provided for presentation. In some aspects, the user interface may be configured to display a first indicator that identifies cumulative progress towards the activity goal and a second indicator that identifies predicted cumulative progress towards the activity goal. The cumulative progress may be calculated based on monitored activity from a start of the current day to the particular time of the current day and the predicted cumulative progress may be calculated based on the received historical activity data corresponding to the particular time of the day prior to the current day.

Abstract: The torque sensor of the present embodiments comprises a first structure to be coupled to an object to be measured, a second structure, a first bridge circuit including a plurality of first strain sensors configured to detect force to be transmitted between the first structure and the second structure, a second bridge circuit including a plurality of second strain sensors configured to detect force to be transmitted between the first structure and the second structure, and a controller configured to output a signal indicating an abnormality when a difference between a first output voltage of the first bridge circuit and a second output voltage of the second bridge circuit is greater than a first threshold voltage.

Abstract: Provided is an adjustable basketball training device that includes a weighted base portion to provide upright support to the device on a flat surface, a main leg portion connected at a first end thereof with the base portion and adjustable therefrom in a vertical direction, extension arm portions securely connected together, and connected with a second end of the main leg portion and extending in a horizontal direction, each having a sensor sensing physical contact of the user with each extension arm portion, start and stop operation switch portions connected to the second end of the main leg portion and an end of an extension arm portion opposite an end connected with another extension arm portion of the extension arm portions attached to the second end of the main leg portion, and a digital counter which counts a total number of times the user physically contacts each extension arm portion.

Abstract: A controller includes a body having a handle, and an array of proximity sensors spatially distributed on, in, beneath, or near the outer surface of the handle, responsive to a proximity of a user's fingers to that outer surface. A finger tracker converts the output of the array of proximity sensors to a set of joint angles corresponding to a plurality of the user's fingers. The controller may include a renderer for processing the joint angles to deform a hand mesh that is rendered for display. Values may be calculated to facilitate normalization of the output of the proximity sensor array and thereby generate a set of normalized finger detection data. This data may be processed through curl logic to produce a linear estimate of gross finger curl with respect to the user and thereby generate a set of estimates for a plurality of finger joint angles for the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating haptic stimulations is provided. The apparatus includes one or more pods coupled to a garment, each pod including: (i) an internal structure, and (ii) an airtight bladder surrounding the internal structure, where the bladder is pneumatically coupled to a pneumatic device that is configured to control a pressurized state of the bladder. Each pod is configured to: (i) have a first degree of flexibility when the bladder of the pod is in a first pressurized state; and (ii) have a second degree of flexibility, less than the first degree of flexibility, when the bladder of the pod is in a second pressurized state different from the first pressurized state. Each pod provides a haptic stimulation to a wearer of the garment when the corresponding bladder is in the second pressurized state.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating haptic stimulations is provided. The apparatus includes pod(s) coupled to a garment, each pod including: (i) an internal structure including an arrangement of a plurality of protrusions and (ii) an airtight bladder surrounding the internal structure, wherein the bladder is pneumatically coupled to a pneumatic device that is configured to control a pressurized state of the bladder. The internal structure in each pod is configured to: (i) when the respective bladder of the respective pod is in a first pressurized state, have a first degree of flexibility; and (ii) when the respective bladder is in a second pressurized state different from the first pressurized state: curve, at least partially, in a predetermined direction, and have a second degree of flexibility less than the first degree of flexibility, thereby providing a haptic stimulation to a wearer when the respective bladder is in the second pressurized state.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating haptic stimulations is provided. The apparatus includes pod(s) coupled to a garment, each pod including: (i) an outer internal structure that defines an opening, (ii) an inner internal structure disposed in the opening defined by the outer internal structure, and (iii) an airtight bladder, pneumatically coupled with a pneumatic device, surrounding the inner and outer internal structures. Further, when a bladder of a respective pod is at a first pressure, respective top surfaces of the internal structures contact a first portion of a user's body, said contact with the first portion of the body having a first area, and when the bladder is at a second pressure, the top surface of the inner internal structure and/or the top surface of the outer internal structure contact a second portion of the user's body, said contact with the second portion of the body having a second area.

Abstract: A display control apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires a document to be displayed on a display, a detector that detects at least one user present in a surrounding area of the display, and a display controller that controls a display angle of the document based on an orientation of the user with respect to the document displayed on the display.

Abstract: Pacer activity data of a user may be managed. For example, historical activity data of a user corresponding to a particular time of a day prior to a current day may be received. Additionally, a user interface configured to display an activity goal of the user may be generated and the user interface may be provided for presentation. In some aspects, the user interface may be configured to display a first indicator that identifies cumulative progress towards the activity goal and a second indicator that identifies predicted cumulative progress towards the activity goal. The cumulative progress may be calculated based on monitored activity from a start of the current day to the particular time of the current day and the predicted cumulative progress may be calculated based on the received historical activity data corresponding to the particular time of the day prior to the current day.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wearable device and a method for determining a position of at least one finger of a hand relative to a predetermined reference point comprising a sensor unit in the palm of the hand comprising at least one sensor, a logic unit in operative engagement with a computer device and configured to generate a position signal based on the registered finger position, and to interpret and convert the signal to a command to be processed by the computer device, a housing at least partly enclosing the sensor unit and an attachment member. The wearable device is characterized in that the sensor is at least one image sensor directed towards a respective distal end of the at least one finger and configured to determine the position of the finger in relation to the wearable device.

Abstract: A position indicator includes a first electrode receiving an alternating current (AC) signal from a position detecting sensor and a second electrode transmitting an AC signal to the position detecting sensor. The position indicator includes: a tubular pen-shaped chassis; a central electrode provided such that one end protrudes outside of the chassis from an opening of the chassis, and formed of an electrically-conductive member forming a first one of the first and second electrodes; a peripheral electrode surrounding the central electrode and formed of an electrically-conductive member forming a second one of the first and second electrodes; and a shield member having a hollow part housing at least a part of the central electrode surrounded by the peripheral electrode. The shield member includes a tubular part electrically connected to ground and an insulating layer formed on an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface of the tubular part.

Abstract: Some forms relate to an electronic system that includes a textile. The electronic system includes a stretchable body that includes an integrated circuit that is configured to compute and communicate with an external device, wherein the stretchable body further includes at least one of (i) a power source that provides power to at least one of the electronic components; (ii) at least one sensor; (iii) a sensing node that receives signals from each sensor and sends signals to the integrated circuit; and (iv) an antenna that is configured to send and receive signals to and from the integrated circuit and the external device; and a textile attached to the stretchable body.

Abstract: A position indicator includes a first electrode receiving an alternating current (AC) signal from a position detecting sensor and a second electrode transmitting an AC signal to the position detecting sensor. The position indicator includes: a tubular pen-shaped chassis; a central electrode provided such that one end protrudes outside of the chassis from an opening of the chassis, and formed of an electrically-conductive member forming a first one of the first and second electrodes; a peripheral electrode surrounding the central electrode and formed of an electrically-conductive member forming a second one of the first and second electrodes; and a shield member having a hollow part housing at least a part of the central electrode surrounded by the peripheral electrode. The shield member includes a tubular part electrically connected to ground and an insulating layer formed on an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface of the tubular part.

Abstract: A portable handheld device for collecting and displaying golf round data. The data collected for each stroke includes the location, time, and club used and the resulting ball position achieved. Before each drive or approach shot player skill level, course layout information, and player location on the course are used together with the club selected by the player to forecast the result of the next stroke. Putt break prediction information is provided before each putt. Information that a stroke has been taken and which club was used can be entered manually or sensed automatically from telemetry equipped clubs.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and analyzing locomotion is provided. The system may include a gait analysis apparatus that is configured to provide multi-dimensional measurements of the gait of an individual as the individual traverses the apparatus. The multiple dimensions may include force, space, time, and frequency. The gait analysis apparatus may be configured to provide a gait measurement processing device with the multi-dimensional measurements. Based on the multi-dimensional measurements, the gait measurement processing device may, for example, diagnose the test subject with a particular NM disease and/or injury, monitor progression of the particular NM disease and/or injury over time, and determine which measurements may be used as biomarkers to identify the particular NM disease and/or injury.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for arbitrating between joystick inputs. The system generates a first command based on the first input if the first input has a non-zero value, and generates a second command based on the second input if the first input has a zero value and the second input has a non-zero value. The system thereby allows two different inputs to control a single commanded function.

Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.

Abstract: The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support. In another embodiment, the foot includes a gap between a lower front edge of an attachment adapter and the upper element.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting a fall of a user, especially to methods and apparatus for detecting a fall of a user by using pressure sensors. This invention discloses an apparatus for detecting a fall of a user, and the apparatus comprises first and second pressure sensors configured to obtain first and second data values of atmosphere pressure and intended to be worn on the body of the user, and a processor configured to derive a third data value of atmosphere pressure for determining whether a fall occurs or not from the first and second data values of atmosphere pressure. The first and second pressure sensors are configured in a way such that preset orientations of the first and second pressure sensors are opposite to each other.

Abstract: A foot monitoring system includes a measurement circuit and an alert circuit. The measurement circuit measures sideways roll of a person's foot while the person is walking/running. The alert circuit determines that the person should change sideways spacing between the person's feet to change further measured values of the sideways roll of the person's foot toward preferred sideways roll values, and generates a notification that indicates to the person to change the sideways spacing between the feet. The foot measurement circuit may determine how much shoe cushioning life remains for a shoe worn by the person in response to comparison of values a peak pulse segment of impact measurements to another segment of the impact measurements that is outside the peak pulse segment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer readable media, for determining, using a pressure sensor, pressure data comprising a pressure indication and a time indication. A first mood is determined based upon the pressure data and one or more songs are selected based upon the determined first mood. A playlist is modified based upon the selected one or more songs, wherein the modified playlist comprises the selected one or more songs and the modified playlist is played. Song data, based upon the modified playlist, is wirelessly transmitted to a remote device.

Abstract: An inhalation simulation system is provided for use with inhalers in particular breath-powered dry powder inhalers. The simulation system can recreate a patient's inhalation profile obtained with an inhaler adapted with a sensing and monitoring device for the detection of characteristic signals generated from the inhaler in use, which signals are transmitted to a computer with an algorithm which is configured to analyze the signals and generate new signals via a transmitter to actuate the inhalation simulation system component parts so that a subject's inhalation profile is replicated simultaneously or in real-time, or stored for later use. Methods of measuring the performance of inhalers are also provided.

Abstract: A method comprising causing display of at least one interface element on a display that is configured to be oriented on a wrist of a user, receiving information indicative of a deviational plane wrist input indicative of physical movement in a deviational plane direction with respect to the deviational plane, determining an interaction operation based, at least in part, on the interface element and an interaction direction; and causing performance of the interaction operation is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention can be embodied in smart clothing for recognizing full-body human motion based on the pressure levels of a flowable substance within two different sets of flexible tubes or channels which are integrated into clothing (or a wearable accessory) and which span the same body joint. This technology can be used to create a wearable, mobile, reasonably-priced, and relatively-unobtrusive full-body motion-capture system which can be used in diverse environments. Compared to camera-based motion capture systems, this invention can be mobile and does not suffer from optical occlusion.

Abstract: Locations of a person's hand, shoulder and hip in three-dimensional space are received from a three-dimensional position sensing device. A shortest distance from the location of the person's hand to a line between the location of the person's shoulder and the location of the person's hip is determined. The shortest distance is compared to a threshold to determine if the person is overreaching. When it is determined that the person is overreaching, a user interface is provided to indicate that the person was overreaching. Additional location information for points on the person's body are used to determine if the person is performing a high lift, a low reach or a twist.

Abstract: The inventive pedaling motion measuring device includes: a measurement body unit having a first sensor unit for sensing the number of rotation of a wheel by sensing the motion of the wheel of a bicycle, and second sensor units arranged at right and left crank arms for sensing magnitude and direction of a force applied to each of the right and left crank arms. The first work calculation unit calculates work performed by the bicycle based on the number of rotation of the wheel sensed by the first sensor unit. The second work calculation unit calculates work provided to the crank member by the user within a prescribed time, based on the magnitude and direction of the force applied to each of the right and left crank arms and sensed by the second sensor units. The efficiency calculation unit calculates the efficiency of the bicycle.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring a movement profile of a user in the region of an actuating element of an aircraft or spacecraft, having at least one movement sensor which is configured to detect a first monitoring space of the monitoring device and at the same time a second monitoring space of the monitoring device which differs from the first monitoring space. Also a method for monitoring a movement profile of a user in the region of an actuating element of an aircraft or spacecraft, with: detection of a first monitoring space of the monitoring device by at least one movement sensor; and simultaneous detection of a second monitoring space, which is different from the first monitoring space, by the at least one movement sensor.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring and detecting ergonomic hot spots associated with movements of subjects are disclosed. For example, data may be collected by way of sensors attached to a plurality of subjects and may be analyzed to determine forces (e.g., vibration, jerks, acceleration, etc.) associated with the movements of the subjects. The analyzed data can be compared to ergonomic conditions to detect the ergonomic hot spots.

Abstract: A shoe insole sensor includes a body including a plurality of recessed regions formed at respective locations corresponding to vertexes of N-polygon, where N is an even number, a plurality of first protrusions formed in odd recessed regions of the recessed regions, where each of the first protrusions has a first height, and a plurality of second protrusions formed in even recessed regions of the recessed regions, where each of the second protrusions has a second height different from the first height. Here, the body is formed with a nonconductive material, each of the first protrusions is formed with a conductive material, and each of the second protrusions is formed with a conductive material.

Abstract: A sensing device including a sensor, a triggering mechanism and a covering is provided. The covering is positioned in contact with a body such that the triggering mechanism extends from a moving segment to a reference segment and across a joint center located therebetween. Movement of the moving segment activates the triggering mechanism to provide a force input to the sensor, actuating the sensor to generate an output defining at least one measurement of the movement. The measurement may be one or more of rotation, translation, velocity, acceleration, and joint angle. An intermediate mechanism may be interposed between the triggering mechanism and the sensor. The sensing device may include a means to process or record measurements corresponding to movement of the moving segment and joint center. A system and method of measuring the movement of a moving segment is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining 3D load displacement characteristics of an anatomical joint formed by a first body portion and a second body portion moveable with respect to the first body portion. The apparatus includes a first frame for receiving and securing the first body portion and a load displacement assembly. The load displacement assembly includes a first axis for alignment with a first anatomical plane of the joint, a second frame for receiving and securing the second body portion. The second frame is movable relative to the first frame. The load displacement assembly also includes a first counterweight configured to balance the weight of the second frame, a force for applying a load to the second frame, and a displacement sensor for measuring displacement of the second frame relative to the first frame upon application of the force.

Abstract: This invention relates to a robotic exoskeleton comprising mechanical linkages that couple to one or more selected joints of a limb of a subject. The robotic exoskeleton may be provided with means for obtaining data respecting angular position, torque, and/or acceleration of at least one of the joints or the links of the mechanical linkages, and may be used for assessing, studying, diagnosing a deficit, and/or treating an impairment in sensorimotor function of a limb of a subject.

Abstract: A method for extracting impact time in a golf swing includes acquiring at least one chronological waveform among chronological waveforms of an angular velocity about x-axis, an angular velocity about y-axis, and an angular velocity about z-axis obtained when a golf ball is hit by a golf club attached with a sensor that measures angular velocities about three axes, when the x-axis is orientated along a toe-heel direction of a golf club head, when the y-axis is orientated so as to follow along a direction in which a ball is hit, and when the z-axis is orientated to match an axial direction of a shaft; acquiring timing at which laser light, disposed immediately in front of where the golf club head impacts the ball, is shielded by the golf club head or the shaft; and determining an impact time using the at least one chronological waveform and the timing.

Abstract: A movement sensor for establishing a movement profile of a living being, in particular a human, is characterized in that the movement sensor has an arrangement for automatically changing between various operating modes.