493results about How to "Improve overall sense" patented technology

An autonomous multi-platform robot system (100, 1100) for performing at least one functional task in an environment is provided. The system includes at least one navigator platform (110, 1110) providing mapping, localization, planning, and control functions for itself and at least one other platform within the environment and at least one functional robot platform (120, 1120) in communication with one or more navigator platforms for performing one or more functional tasks. In one embodiment, one or more navigator platforms (1110) are stationary and include sensors (202) for sensing information about the environment. In another embodiment, one or more functional robot platforms (1120) include sensors (304) for sending information about the environment. In still another embodiment, the system includes one or more stationary platforms (124) with sensors (310) for sensing information about the environment.

A device and method for lancing a patient, virtually simultaneously producing and collecting a small fluid sample from a body. The device comprises a blood collection system including a lancing needle (16), drive mechanism (11), kneading or vibration mechanism (25), optional suction system (7), and sample ejection mechanism. The device is preferably sized to be hand-held in one hand and operable with one hand. The device can optionally contain integral testing or analysis component (83) for receiving the sample and providing testing or analysis indication or readout for the user. A method involves piercing the skin at a rapid rate, kneading the surrounding area by ultrasonic action, piezoelectric or mechanical oscillation to stimulate the blood flow from the wound, drawing the fluid using a pumping system.

A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures that may be adjustable to vary the rate of stomach emptying. Slowing gastric emptying may induce satiety for a longer period and may therefore reduce food consumption. Many of the embodiments include intestinal liners or sleeves, but they need not. The resistor concept may be applied to a simple anchor and resistor without a long liner.

A voice communication device such as an earpiece that provides for ultra short range transmission of voice sound information using ultra wide band (UWB) radio communications is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a voice communication device includes a speaker, a bone conduction sensor for sensing voice sound vibrations, and an UWB transceiver operatively connected to the speaker and the bone conduction sensor. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a voice communication device is disclosed that includes an earpiece housing, a speaker operatively connected to the earpiece housing for transducing audio, an air conduction sensor operatively connected to the housing for sensing voice sound information, a processor electrically connected to the speaker and the bone conduction sensor and disposed within the earpiece housing, and an UWB transceiver operatively connected to the processor.

Method and apparatus for providing high strength, low frequency tactile sensations using an inertial actuator in a haptic feedback interface device, such as an actuator driving an oscillating inertial mass. A commanded low frequency is modulated or combined with a higher frequency at which the tactile sensations feel stronger, where the resulting signal is used to output a tactile sensation at the higher frequency and convey the commanded low frequency to the user. One embodiment provides higher frequency pulse bursts at the desired low frequency wherein the higher frequency pulse bursts are at or near a resonant frequency of the actuator; other embodiments modulate or otherwise vary the amplitude of the higher frequency signal according to the desired low frequency.

Apparatus (90) is provided for use in a stomach of a subject. The apparatus includes a balloon (92), adapted for placement in the stomach, and all anchor (102), coupled to the balloon. The anchor is adapted to prevent the balloon from passing into a duodenum of the subject. The apparatus further includes an inflation tube (96), coupled to the balloon to permit inflation of the balloon, and is adapted to stretch from the stomach to a mouth of the subject to facilitate inflation of the balloon. Other embodiments are also described.

The present invention relates to a multi-channel speaker system and a wiring device thereof. The wiring device for a multi-channel speaker system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a serial audio signal circuit and a plurality of audio signal separating circuits. The serial audio signal circuit SAC generates a single serial digital audio signal by synthesizing the plurality of analog signals that are generated by the analog audio signal generating circuit, and outputs the same. The audio signal separating circuit receives the serial digital audio signal and separates a corresponding digital signal, and it converts the separated digital signal to an analog signal. Therefore, the plurality of speakers can be connected to the serial audio signal circuit SAC through a single series wire or at least two parallel wires.

A user may simulate wearing real-wearable items, such as virtual garments and accessories. A virtual-outfitting interface may be provided for presentation to the user. An item-search / selection portion within the virtual-outfitting interface may be provided. The item-search / selection portion may depict one or more virtual-wearable items corresponding to one or more real-wearable items. The user may be allowed to select at least one virtual-wearable item from the item-search / selection portion. A main display portion within the virtual-outfitting interface may be provided. The main display portion may include a composite video feed that incorporates a video feed of the user and the selected at least one virtual-wearable item such that the user appears to be wearing the selected at least one virtual-wearable item in the main display portion.

A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures that may be adjustable to vary the rate of stomach emptying. Slowing gastric emptying may induce satiety for a longer period and may therefore reduce food consumption. Many of the embodiments include intestinal liners or sleeves, but they need not. The resistor concept may be applied to a simple anchor and resistor without a long liner.

A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures or apertures that may be adjustable or elastic to vary the rate of stomach emptying. Slowing gastric emptying may induce satiety for a longer period and may therefore reduce food consumption. Many of the embodiments include intestinal sleeves or sleeves, but they need not. The resistor concept may be applied to a simple anchor and resistor without a long sleeve.

A user may simulate wearing real-wearable items, such as virtual garments and accessories. A virtual-outfitting interface may be provided for presentation to the user. An item-search / selection portion within the virtual-outfitting interface may be provided. The item-search / selection portion may depict one or more virtual-wearable items corresponding to one or more real-wearable items. The user may be allowed to select at least one virtual-wearable item from the item-search / selection portion. A main display portion within the virtual-outfitting interface may be provided. The main display portion may include a composite video feed that incorporates a video feed of the user and the selected at least one virtual-wearable item such that the user appears to be wearing the selected at least one virtual-wearable item in the main display portion.

Diet evaluation gastric apparatus (18) is provided, which detects when a patient (10) swallows, and detects the type and amount of matter ingested. The apparatus includes electrodes (74, 100) adapted to be coupled to the fundus and antrum of the patient and to measure electrical and mechanical activity therein, and a control unit (90) to analyze such electrical and mechanical activity and optionally apply electrical energy to modify the activity of tissue of the patient.

An article of footwear including a sole and having a low upper that is at least partially elastic, with an instep portion provided with an elastic tightening system extending from the top of the instep to the area of the sole. The elastic tightening system has a central portion extending over the top of the instep and a series of branches extending radially from the central portion to the area of the sole. Additionally, the elastic tightening system has a branch extending toward the heel on at least a lateral and medial side of the footwear article, and a branch extending toward the toes on at least a lateral and medial side of the footwear article.

A reactive label is capable of reacting with a shopper that peruses the label while considering the purchase of the labeled product. The label includes sensors and a display unit and is powered by incorporated batteries or photovoltaic cells. The sensors can include a timer that provides the shopper with additional information from a ROM by displaying it sequentially on an LCD screen or the like. The sensors can also include a sensor such as an optical sensor that measures such factors as hair reflectance and can inform the shopper as to the suitability of the product (if, for example, it is a shampoo) for their personal use. The reactive label gives the shopper a previously unattainable sense of product personalization and will thereby enhance a sense of loyalty to and confidence in the product.

Featured are surgical devices that provide enhanced perceptual feedback to a medical practitioner in the form of e.g. tactile sensations or auditory feedback, and methods of use of the devices. The devices and methods of the present invention are particularly suitable for microsurgery applications including ophthalmic or neurosurgical procedures. Use of the present devices and methods will enhance user feedback, allowing for improved perception, thereby increasing performance, speed, and accuracy of surgical procedures.

Gastric apparatus (18) is provided, including one or more sensors (70, 72, 74), adapted to generate respective sensor signals responsively to a gastrointestinal (GI) tract physiological parameter of a GI tract of a subject, and an implantable control unit (90), comprising a rechargeable battery and a first set of one or more transducers. The implantable control unit (90) is adapted to receive the sensor signals, using one or more of the transducers of the first set, and transmit data responsively to the sensor signals, using one or more of the transducers of the first set. An external control unit (200), including a power source and a second set of one or more transducers, is adapted to drive the power source to inductively transfer energy via one or more transducers of the second set, so as to recharge the battery, and receive the transmitted data, using one or more transducers of the second set.

A system for allowing a player to invoke magic or other special powers in a video game is provided. To activate the magic, the player moves a motion detecting controller in accordance with one or more provided instructions. The outcome of the activation of the magic can be determinate on, for example, speed, accuracy, etc. Controllers in one or both hands may be used, and the instructions can be as simple as single direction gestures and as complex as multi-directional symbols which must be traced in the air. A sequence of any type of instructions may also be provided to instruct the activation of the magic.

Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for processing the manipulation of a three-dimensional (3D) virtual object. The apparatus includes an image input unit, an environment reconstruction unit, a 3D object modeling unit, a space matching unit, and a manipulation processing unit. The image input unit receives image information generated by capturing a surrounding environment including a manipulating object. The environment reconstruction unit reconstructs a 3D virtual reality space. The 3D object modeling unit models a 3D virtual object that is manipulated by the manipulating object, and generates a 3D rendering space. The space matching unit matches the 3D rendering space to the 3D virtual reality space. The manipulation processing unit determines whether the manipulating object is in contact with the surface of the 3D virtual object, and tracks the path of a contact point and processes the motion of the 3D virtual object.

An apparatus to perform sound processing in a virtual reality system includes a sound processing unit to process and produce sound output in sound areas divided into a focus area within a predetermined visual field and a non-focus area out of the predetermined visual field in a virtual reality space for sound sources; and a control unit to divide the sound areas into the focus area and the non-focus area, and to control the sound output of the sound processing unit such that a volume of sound in a first space is gradually decreased while a volume of sound in a second space is gradually increased when a space shift from the first space to the second space in the virtual reality space is detected.

A method is provided, including physically contacting a gastric implantation site of a stomach via a transluminal approach, physically contacting the site via a transabdominal approach, stabilizing the site, and implanting an electrode at the site based on the physical contact provided by the transluminal and transabdominal approach. Other embodiments are also described.

Apparatus is provided, including a control unit (310), adapted to be implanted within a patient (324), and a corkscrew-shaped electrode mount (400), adapted to be implanted in a wall of a stomach of the patient. The corkscrew-shaped electrode mount includes first (404) and second (424) electrodes, at respective sites of the electrode mount, and a controller (420), wirelessly coupled to the control unit. Other embodiments are also described.

Apparatus is provided, including a control unit (310), adapted to be implanted within a patient (324), and a corkscrew-shaped electrode mount (400), adapted to be implanted in a wall of a stomach of the patient. The corkscrew-shaped electrode mount includes first (404) and second (424) electrodes, at respective sites of the electrode mount, and a controller (420), wirelessly coupled to the control unit. Other embodiments are also described.

A video communication method, device, and system are provided, which relate to the filed of video communications, so as to solve problems that currently scenes of two parties of communication need special arrangement to improve sense of reality and scene contents cannot be displayed in a 3D video mode. Therefore, scenes of two parties of communication do not need special arrangement to improve the sense of reality of users, and the scene contents can be displayed in a 3D video mode. The video communication method, device, and system are applicable to video communication such as common video chat, video telephony, and video conference.

The present invention relates to a fingerprint sensing system comprising a sensor array with a plurality of sensing structures and read-out circuitry connectable to each of the sensing structures, and power supply circuitry arranged to provide to the read-out circuitry a substantially constant supply voltage being a difference between a high potential and a low potential. The fingerprint sensing system is configured in such a way that the low potential and the high potential are variable while substantially maintaining the supply voltage, and the read-out circuitry is connectable to each of the sensing structures in such a way that a variation in the low potential and the high potential while substantially maintaining the supply voltage results in a change of the charge carried by a sensing structure connected to the read-out circuitry. The change in charge is indicative of a capacitive coupling between the sensing structure and the finger.

The present invention relates to an improved controlled release system that can encapsulate different flavors, sensory markers, and active ingredients, or combinations of flavors, sensory markers and various active ingredients and release multiple active ingredients in a consecutive manner, one after the other. The controlled delivery system of the present invention is substantially free-flowing powder formed of solid hydrophobic nanospheres that are encapsulated in a moisture sensitive microspheres. The flavors, and active ingredients encapsulated in the hydrophobic nanospheres, in the water sensitive microsphere, or in both the nano and the microsphere. The flavors and active ingredients encapsulated in the nanospheres can be the same or different from those encapsulated in the microspheres. The encapsulation of different flavors or active agents in the various components of the system, such as nanospheres and microspheres, provides flavor transition (change in flavor character) during the use of the products. The controlled release system of the present invention enhances the stability and bioavailability of wide range of flavors, sensory markers, and other active ingredients, prolong their residence time in the oral cavity, control their release characteristics, and prolong the sensation of flavors and other sensory markers in the mouth to provide long lasting organoleptic perception or long lasting mouthfeel. The invention further relates oral care, food products, and beverages comprising the controlled release system of the present invention.

An electrical stimulation method for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the method utilizes an electrical stimulation device that includes a plurality of channels of electrodes each of which includes a first and second electrode positioned in electrical contact with tissue of a target region suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Agonist / antagonist muscles involved in abduction / adduction, flexion / extension, supination / pronation, protraction / retraction, and / or eversion / inversion in the peripheral body regions are stimulated with a patterned series of electrical pulses through channels of electrodes in accordance with a procedure for treating peripheral neuropathy. The patterned series of electrical pulses may comprise: a plurality of cycles of a biphasic sequential pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a biphasic overlapping pulse train pattern; a plurality of cycles of a triphasic sequential pulse train pattern; and a plurality of cycles of a triphasic overlapping pulse train pattern.

When there is no occupant in seats other than a driver seat during a foot mode, an air-conditioning controller executes a single seat concentration mode to prevent blowing of warm air to a passenger seat and a backseat by closing foot outlets on a passenger seat side and a backseat side. In this case, in order to maintain an air volume blown from the foot outlet on a driver seat side when the controller changes the mode from the normal foot mode to the single seat concentration mode, the controller sets a blower level to be lower than in the case of the normal foot mode with respect to the same target blown air temperature. Thus, an electric power consumed by an electric motor of a blower can be reduced, thereby realizing energy saving.

An example video game includes a virtual game world including a video game character movable within the virtual game world and one or more targets. A first target in the virtual game world can be locked onto so that the first target remains substantially at the center of a field of view of the game character within the virtual game world. A reticle may be moved to target one or more second targets in the virtual game world while the first target remains locked onto.

Ambience signal components are obtained from source audio signals, matrix-decoded signal components are obtained from the source audio signals, and the ambience signal components are controllably combined with the matrix-decoded signal components. Obtaining ambience signal components may include applying at least one decorrelation filter sequence. The same decorrelation filter sequence may be applied to each of the input audio signals or, alternatively, a different decorrelation filter sequence may be applied to each of the input audio signals.