150 results about "Auditory signal" patented technology

An apparatus and method for illuminating a vehicle including a light source connected to an illuminatable component such as an interior or exterior vehicle door handle or steering wheel, and a control system including a plurality of sensors that monitor the vehicle and surroundings for predetermined conditions and selectively illuminate the component as a means of conveying information or warnings about the vehicle or its surroundings. Illumination may be enhanced by other auditory signals such as audio alarms or vibration. Predetermined conditions may include the proximity of a vehicle user, key fob activation or proximity, input from an entertainment system, activation of a pressure sensor, the presence of a person or object in proximity to the vehicle, or the vehicle's ignition or gear state.

A device is disclosed for treating sleep and breathing disorders of a patient, along with the method of using the device. The device includes a processor for receiving sensor inputs, processing the received sensor inputs, and generating commands through output devices. A first sensor is positionable for receiving breathing sound information emitted from one of the mouth and nose of a patient. The second sensor is positionable on a patient for receiving breathing sounds information from a patient's chest cavity. A third sensor is positionable for receiving information relating to the amount of chest expansion of a patient. A first output device is provided that is capable of providing an auditory signal to a patient. A second output device is capable of providing an electrical signal to a muscle group of a patient that simulates a human touching event. The first, second and third sensors, and the first and second output devices are operatively coupled to the processor to permit the processor to receive information input from the sensors, process the input information to the detect the existence of a sleep-breathing disorder event, and to generate command to at least one of the first and second output devices. The command is capable of directing the at least one output device to provide a series of progressively intrusive stimuli designed to condition the patient to terminate the sleep breathing disorder event, and ultimately, return to a more normal sleep pattern.

A diagnostic system for collecting, processing, recording and analyzing sounds associated with the physiologic activities of various human organs. The system includes a plurality of transducers placed on the body surface at the operator's discretion. The microphones are coupled to analogue / digital signal processing circuitry for enhancement of the desired signal and exclusion of ambient noise. An A / D converter digitizes the incoming data and transmits data, which is divided into a multitude of discrete blocks, received over very finite intervals of time, to a computer workstation and moved through an analysis program sequentially. The program is displayed as a series of icons which depict operations that the program performs and which allow the operator to reprogram the system at any time. The data is finally displayed in graphical format and stored in memory as the program processes each block sequentially.

A desired acoustic signal is extracted from a noisy environment by generating a signal representative of the desired signal with processor (30). Processor (30) receives aural signals from two sensors (22, 24) each at a different location. The two inputs to processor (30) are converted from analog to digital format and then submitted to a discrete Fourier transform process to generate discrete spectral signal representations. The spectral signals are delayed to provide a number of intermediate signals, each corresponding to a different spatial location relative to the two sensors. Locations of the noise source and the desired source, and the spectral content of the desired signal are determined from the intermediate signal corresponding to the noise source locations. Inverse transformation of the selected intermediate signal followed by digital to analog conversion provides an output signal representative of the desired signal with output device (90). Techniques to localize multiple acoustic sources are also disclosed. Further, a technique to enhance noise reduction from multiple sources based on two-sensor reception is described.

Disclosed is a means and method for the treatment of migraine headaches and other disorders of the human body by the application of one or more intense magnetic pulses. By placing an intense magnetic field pulse(s) onto a certain region of the brain, an electrical current can be generated in the cerebral cortex that can stop a migraine headache in some patients or at least decrease its severity. The device to perform this function can be called a “magnetic pulser system.” This system can be made in one piece and powered by plugging into a household or automobile receptacle or from a battery. The pulser system uses capacitors that are first charged to a high voltage and then discharged into a coil that creates the intense magnetic pulse. Both visual and auditory signals can be provided by the pulser system to assist the patient in using the device.

An apparatus and method for illuminating a vehicle including a light source connected to an illuminatable component such as an interior or exterior vehicle door handle or steering wheel, and a control system including a plurality of sensors that monitor the vehicle and surroundings for predetermined conditions and selectively illuminate the component as a means of conveying information or warnings about the vehicle or its surroundings. Illumination may be enhanced by other auditory signals such as audio alarms or vibration. Predetermined conditions may include the proximity of a vehicle user, key fob activation or proximity, input from an entertainment system, activation of a pressure sensor, the presence of a person or object in proximity to the vehicle, or the vehicle's ignition or gear state.

Automatically analysing an evoked neural response. The method comprises: applying electrical stimulation to a target neural region at incrementally greater current levels beginning with an initial current level that is as close as possible to a typical threshold-NRT level; recording an NRT measurement of an auditory signal which generated by the target neural region in response to the stimulation; and utilizing a machine-learned expert system to predict whether the NRT measurement contains a neural response based on a plurality of features extracted from the auditory signal.

A system that provides a means for blind or visually impaired people to navigate through a complex environment using auditory cues. Two-way transceiver devices, held by the person, connect through a communications network to a computer system. The computer system activates appropriate auditory signals that are output from audio beacons located throughout the environment based on input provided through the transceiver. Additional interactivity can be incorporated into the system by means of the computer system.

A desired acoustic signal is extracted from a noisy environment by generating a signal representative of the desired signal with a processor. The processor receives aural signals from two sensors each at a different location. The two inputs to the processor are converted from analog to digital format and then submitted to a discrete Fourier transform process to generate discrete spectral signal representations. The spectral signals are delayed by a number of time intervals in a dual delay line to provide a number of intermediate signals, each corresponding to a different spatial location relative to the two sensors. Locations of the noise source and the desired source are determined and the spectral content of the desired signal is determined from the intermediate signal corresponding to the noise source locations. Inverse transformation of the selected intermediate signal followed by digital to analog conversion provides an output signal representative of the desired signal. Techniques to localize multiple acoustic sources are also disclosed. Further, a technique to enhance noise reduction from multiple sources based on two-sensor reception is described.

A suction control valve is disclosed which includes a primary suction device access and an ancillary suction device access. The valve includes a valve core which is linearly movable between a first position in which the primary access is closed against suction pressure therethrough, to a second position in which the primary access is open to suction pressure therethrough. The valve also is rotatable from the first position to a third position to disable its linear movement and to open the ancillary access port. When the core is in the first position, atmospheric air can pass through the valve and into the suction pressure source in such a manner that a "hissing" auditory signal is generated, indicative of the presence of suction pressure within the valve. When the actuator is in the second or third positions, the "hissing" is prevented. The valve is easily assembled and adapted for gas sterilization.

A vehicle radio system and a method of operating the vehicle radio system are provided in accordance with the present invention. The vehicle radio system includes a radio receiver that is configured to receive a radio signal from a broadcast station, a microphone that is configured to receive an audible from an operator of the vehicle radio system and generate an audible signal from said audible and a tuning module configured to receive the radio signal from the radio receiver and the audible signal from the microphone. The tuning module includes a storage module configured to store a first phoneme string and a first channel number associated with the first phoneme string, a voice recognition engine configured to compare a phoneme in the audible signal with the first phoneme string stored in the storage module and a tuner configured to tune the radio receiver to the first channel number when the voice recognition engine identifies the phoneme as the first phoneme string.

Methods and devices for comprising: obtaining an estimated heart rate training zone for a user; measuring the pulse rate of the user; and performing a plurality of computerized talk tests, such that a higher number of computerized talk tests are performed when the measured pulse rate is more in the vicinity of the estimated heart rate training zone than outside the vicinity of the estimated heart rate training zone. Other embodiments include devices for controlling an exercise program, comprising: an interface to an element configured to play auditory signals, and an interface to an element configured to record a user's speech in accordance with the auditory signals; wherein the device is configured to provide an indication upon identifying involuntary interruptions in the user's speech.

A system that provides a means for blind or visually impaired people to navigate through a complex environment using auditory cues. Two-way transceiver devices, held by the person, connect through a communications network to a computer system. The computer system activates appropriate auditory signals that are output from audio beacons located throughout the environment based on input provided through the transceiver. Additional interactivity can be incorporated into the system by means of the computer system.

A hearing device is adapted to be arranged on or at least partly implanted in an individual's head and comprises: an input unit providing an input audio signal; a signal processing circuit adapted to process the input audio signal; an output unit adapted to provide an audible signal to the individual; one or more electrodes adapted to detect electric brain potentials of the individual; and a brainwave measurement circuit adapted to determine one or more EEG signals from electric signals received from the one or more electrodes. The hearing device further comprises: a first spectrum analyser determining first audio spectra; a reconstructor adapted to repeatedly reconstruct second audio spectra; a first correlator to determine coherence between the first and the second audio spectra; and a control unit adapted to alter said processing in dependence on the coherence.

A system and method of providing information (such as directions) to a driver of a vehicle while driving the vehicle without requiring that the driver remove his eyes from looking out the windshield at the road ahead. A positioning device is associated with the vehicle and determines the present location of the vehicle which is compared to a desired location (e.g., the location of a desired turn at an intersection) necessary to reach a preset destination which has been stored. When the vehicle is in a predetermined location (e.g., 500 feet or 10 second before the intersection), an advisory message to the driver is projected onto the windshield using a heads-up display projector so that the driver can prepare for and make the necessary movement (e.g., turning the correct way at the desired intersection). An optional auditory signal can provide a message indicating the necessary action, either in general or specifically (through a speech synthesizer), with optionally different sound indicators, depending on the urgency of the action. A wireless receiver used with the present invention can display other information such as road conditions, traffic and weather information, as well as advertising and e-mail. The present invention contemplates that images of intersections (live pictures, photos or sketches) may be displayed to indicate the proper turn and provide landmark information to assist in determining the appropriate turn.

A simple cochlear implant is provided that can be implanted in a doctor's office under local anesthesia, which does not destroy residual hearing, and in a preferred embodiment, which is small enough to fit within a person's ear canal. The cochlear ear implant includes an exterior ear module, an interior ear module, and a cochlear electrode array. The exterior ear module includes a hollow housing within which are located the active electrical components including a microphone, power supply, and processor. The exterior ear module is easily removable from the body without surgery and is positioned in the auditory canal, the concha bowl or behind the pinna. The interior ear module is a semi-permanent assembly located immediately exterior to the tympanic membrane. It is a simple passive module for relaying signals to the electrode array. The communication of auditory signals from the exterior ear module to the interior ear module may be achieved by various techniques including by direct electrical transmission. However, the communication between the exterior and interior ear modules is preferably accomplished using a transcanal induction link. The electrode array extends from the interior ear module through the tympanic membrane to engage the cochlea. The electrode array includes an implanted active electrode, a return electrode, and a biocompatible miniature connector for connecting to the interior ear module.

A pressure indicator for positive pressure protection masks, including powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) that monitors and determines relative air pressure between the internal space of a protection mask and the ambient environment to alert users of negative or threshold level air pressure, and in turn, to ensure safe operation of the protection masks. The pressure indicator, which is incorporated in the mask, alerts users when the air pressure in the mask reaches a critical level by transmitting optical signals, auditory signals, vibrational signals or a combination thereof that are detectable by the user. The optical signals are projected into the user's line of vision either directly or through a head-up display. The pressure indicator may cause the signal to indicate a safe and danger mode, or may cause the signal to indicate only during a danger mode.

In one aspect, the disclosure features systems for providing auditory signals to a subject. The systems include a sensor front-end circuit configured to be connected to an acoustic sensor and to convert analog signals received from the acoustic sensor to digital electric signals. The systems further include a sound processor circuit configured to be connected to the sensor front-end circuit and receive the electric signals provided by the sensor front end circuit. The sound processor includes multiple filters that spectrally decompose the received electrical signals into multiple spectral channels during operation of the system. The multiple spectral channels include at least a low frequency channel and a high frequency channel and the sound processor circuit is configured to operate the low frequency channel at a sample rate lower than a sample rate of the high frequency channel.

A hearing aid comprises a microphone configured to receive an acoustic input signal and convert the signal into an electric input signal, an audiological signal processing unit coupled to the microphone and configured to process the electric input signal to a processed signal, an amplifier coupled to the audiological signal processing unit and configured to amplify the processed signal to an amplified signal, and a receiver coupled to the amplifier and configured to transform the amplified signal into an acoustic output signal. The hearing aid further comprises a howl detector coupled to the signal processing unit and configured to detect the presence of a feedback howl originating from the hearing aid an analyzer coupled to the howl detector and configured to determine a value indicative of whether the feedback howl detected is potentially audible to a person neighbouring the user of the hearing aid.

A kinesthetic Chi rope employs a pair of handles, each handle formed as a cylindrical rod with a resonating chamber attached to one end, the chamber having a first coil spring secured as by welding to the internal surface of the chamber and a ball bearing surrounded by the coils which causes an audible vibration when the handle is shaken. A magnet having cylindrical polarity is housed within the cylindrical rod and a second coil spring is compressed between the outer surface of the resonating chamber and the cylindrical magnet, serving as a conductor of the vibratory forces. When the vibration issues from the resonating chamber, the vibrations pulsate through the magnet, into the handle and the hands of the user causing a tactile stimulation to flow into the user's hand, arm and upper torso, an auditory signal to be received from such vibration, a visual stimulus received, and a sinew tension produced by the predetermined weight of the handle, all four inputs combining to provide a kinesthetic input into the user's body restoring homeostasis and balancing to his / her nervous system through her / his acupuncture meridians. A regimen of 12 exercises using the chi handle and rope are taught for stimulating all body parts.

Wetness indicators may include alarm devices that are designed to assist parents or attendants in identifying a wet diaper condition early on. These devices produce either a visual or an audible signal. Many of these devices rely on electronics, which may increase the expense of the absorbent article. Further, electronic devices rely on electrical sources and may be prone to failure if not utilized for an extended period of time.

An audio interrupt system includes multiple audio players—such as a computer, compact disc player, cassette player, stereo, cell-phone, or MP3 player—that generate electrical audio signals and transmit the electrical audio signals to an associated transducer—such as a headphone or a speaker—that converts the electrical audio signals into aural signals that may be heard by a listener. Multiple audio controllers are provided that alter the transmission of the electrical audio signals from at least one of the audio players to the audio player's associate transducer. A hub transmits a control signal to the audio controllers that causes the audio controllers to alter the transmission of the electrical audio signals from the audio players to the associated transducer. The alteration may involve terminating the electrical audio signals or reducing an amplitude of them.

A significant number of rescue workers are killed or injured each year as they conduct searches within damaged or burning structures, unaware that the structure is unstable. The present invention provides a system and method for real-time detecting and monitoring structural instability that may lead to inevitable collapse of a structure. The system is capable of displaying data, including visual and / or audible signals, indicating structural instability. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to stability monitoring analysis processes for determining structural stability or instability.

Protective gear for a wearer's body such as the joint of a limb, that has an attachment system with few components, and integrated with the protective gear. The attachment system uses straps that can be adjusted by a wearer once during a first use and, after removal, retain their adjustments for a second use by the same wearer. Securing the attachment system in place can be accompanied by an auditory signal.

According to one aspect, a system for binaural hearing enhancement, including at least one auditory receiver and at least one processor coupled to the at least one auditory receiver. The at least one auditory receiver is configured to receive an auditory signal that includes a target signal. The at least one processor configured to extract a plurality of auditory cues from the auditory signal, prioritize at least one of the plurality of auditory cues based on the robustness of the auditory cues, and based on the prioritized auditory cues, extract the target signal from the auditory signal.

The present media player includes alternative indicators, other than a graphical user interface, to facilitate user control. In one embodiment the player includes an illuminable indicator comprising a plurality of LED's. The LED's are configured to illuminate and dim according to a variety of different illumination patterns to indicate, for example, an operational mode of the player. In some embodiments the player is configured to generate auditory signals to indicate to the user that it is tuned to a particular preset station. In some embodiments the player includes apparatus for tracking one or more user parameters, such as heart rate. In some embodiments the player may be configured with a play list matching a tempo profile of an exercise program. Several methods related to the player are also disclosed.

A diagnostic system for collecting, processing, recording and analyzing sounds associated with the physiologic activities of various human organs. The system includes a plurality of transducers placed on the body surface at the operator's discretion. The transducers are coupled to analog / digital signal processing circuitry for enhancement of the desired signal and exclusion of ambient noise. An A / D converter digitizes the incoming data and transmits data, which is divided into a multitude of discrete blocks, received over very finite intervals of time, to a computer workstation and moved through an analysis program sequentially. The program is displayed as a series of icons which depict operations that the program performs and which allow the operator to reprogram the system at any time. The data is finally displayed in graphical format and stored in memory as the program processes each block sequentially.

A defibrillator locating system and method enables would-be responders to quickly identify defibrillator location for effecting prompt defibrillation. The system may be said to comprise a number of spaced heart-shaped signal-transmitting devices, a signal-receiving / alarm device, and an automatic external defibrillator pair-positioned in visual proximity to the signal-receiving / alarm device. A responder may send a signal from any of the transmitter devices for activating the nearest receiving / alarm device, the latter of which activates an alarm signal for guiding the responder toward the automatic external defibrillator. The alarm signal is preferably auditory and has sufficient intensity whereby the responder may be able to aurally perceive the auditory signal and follow the same to the defibrillator site along an unobstructed pathway. The removably attached defibrillator enables the responder to quickly carry said defibrillator to a cardiac emergency site.