150 results about "Auditory signal" patented technology

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 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 speech processor unit (12) for a cochlear implant system. The speech processor unit (12) comprises a signal processor for processing incoming auditory signals and for forwarding processed signals to an implanted component (18) of the system, a monitoring means for monitoring a predetermined parameter, and a controller, controlled by the signal processor, for placing the unit in an idle state in the absence of the parameter. The predetermined parameter can comprise the presence or absence of the implanted receiver antenna coil (22) relative to the external antenna coil (16). The invention allows the speech processor unit (12) to be supplied without a physical on and off switch.

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.