170 results about "Dividing attention" patented technology

Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an implant comprising a spacer for defining a minimum space between adjacent spinous processes, a distraction guide for piercing and distracting an interspinous ligament during implantation, and a binder for limiting or preventing flexion motion of the targeted motion segment. The binder can be secured to a brace associated with the implant during implantation by a capture device. In one embodiment, the capture device includes a fixed piece extending from the brace and a slidable piece associated with the fixed piece. A fastener can be rotated to pinch the binder between the slidable piece and a wall of the brace, securing the binder. A physician need not know the length of the binder prior to implantation, reducing the time required to perform a procedure.

The disclosure generally relates to providing a network of security volunteers who can opt-in to provide security services and / or a physical presence to deter, distract, delay, or prevent a potentially threatening situation. Security volunteers can receive alerts from a central monitoring center regarding nearby distress signals sent from a victim's device, and can then proceed to the location of the victim. Security volunteers can view their location and the location of the victim on a map on their mobile devices, as well as communicate with a victim's device, the central monitoring center, and other security volunteers who are responding to the scene.

An instrument for distracting at least two adjacent vertebrae and / or retaining them in a spaced apart position. Anchor screws are secured to the adjacent vertebrae and tubes of a retainer-distracter instrument frame are slid down over the anchor screws, after which the anchor screws are positively secured to the tubes of the frame. The frame includes a structure for moving the arms and hence the anchor screws and vertebrae toward and away from each other. According to a method of operation, after the anchor screws and frame are attached, a separate distracter distracts the vertebrae away from each other, whereupon the instrument acts only as a retainer to hold the vertebrae apart.

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for the provision of spinal therapy to two or more adjacent motion segments accessed through a trans-sacral approach. The spinal therapies include fusion and dynamic stabilization with and without a distraction of the most cephalad motion segment of the two or more adjacent motion segments provided therapy. The disclosure includes methods and apparatus to impart a distraction on a second more caudal motion segment after providing therapy to the more cephalad motion segment. Related concepts for the extraction of previously inserted devices and the delivery and removal of plugs for plugging the interior cavities of implantable devices are disclosed.

Disclosed herein is a method and system for detecting, monitoring and / or controlling one or more of mobile services for a mobile communication device (also referred to herein as a Controllable Mobile Device or CMD), and in particular, when the device is being used and the vehicle, operated by the user of the device, is moving. In addition, one aspect of the invention generally relates to a method and system for modifying a user's driving behaviors, in particular to a system and method for modifying a user's unsafe driving behaviors, e.g., using one or more services of a controllable mobile device while driving, by providing a score to the user rating indicating that they are using a mobile device in a distracting way, or driving in a manner that indicates that they are distracted.

The present disclosure relates to methods and tools for enhancing cognition and improving well being in an individual. The methods involve presenting to an individual a task to be performed, presenting to the individual an interference, and receiving inputs from the individual. Where the interference is a distraction, the individual is to ignore the interference. Where the interference is an interruptor, the individual is instructed to respond to the interruptor as a secondary task and is said to be multi-tasking. Inputs are then also received from the individual pertaining to this secondary task. The methods encompass iterations of these presentating steps and receiving of the input, and generation of analysis and / or feedback to the individual. The methods can further include conducting an analysis and / or generating feedback to the individual. The analysis can include a comparison of the performances with or without each type of interference.

A system having an expandable intervertebral fusion implant assembly for insertion between two vertebrae bodies. The system includes an anterior lumbar interbody component having an upper component and a lower component, each having an inner and outer surface, pivotally connected through a hinge. A distracting component includes a wedge having a superior and inferior surface that inserts between the upper and lower components of the anterior lumbar interbody component. The outer surface of the upper and the lower component contact endplates of two adjacent vertebral bodies.

According to the present invention, a method for integrating processes with a multi-faceted human centered interface is provided. The interface is facilitated to implement a hands free, voice driven environment to control processes and applications. A natural language model is used to parse voice initiated commands and data, and to route those voice initiated inputs to the required applications or processes. The use of an intelligent context based parser allows the system to intelligently determine what processes are required to complete a task which is initiated using natural language. A single window environment provides an interface which is comfortable to the user by preventing the occurrence of distracting windows from appearing. The single window has a plurality of facets which allow distinct viewing areas. Each facet has an independent process routing its outputs thereto. As other processes are activated, each facet can reshape itself to bring a new process into one of the viewing areas. All activated processes are executed simultaneously to provide true multitasking.

An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.

Methods for assessing cognitive and linguistic abilities by tracking and recording the eye movements of a patient in response to predetermined verbal and visual stimuli. The methods incorporate conventional eye-tracking technology to acquire eye-fixation location and duration measures for testing linguistic comprehension, working memory, attention allocation, and the effect of semantic associative priming. Visual stimuli presented in the methods are carefully designed to reduce visually distracting features. Verbal stimuli are carefully designed to control for numerous linguistic features.

The use of user equipment, or distracting features thereof are restricted or prohibited to improve vehicle operation safety. The presence of user equipment within the operator's or driver's operational area is detected. The distracting features are then restricted either immediately or based on other conditions such as vehicle speed, motion, engine state, etc. When the conditions have been eliminated and / or the user equipment is vacated from the operator's operational area, the restrictions can be removed or removed after a threshold period of time.

A simple, cost-effective, and robust method and system to obstruct crawls, logos, and other annoying and distracting images overlaid on a video signal and displayed on a TV set or monitor is provided. The method and system may detect the presence of the unwanted images and block them automatically, or they may accept manual input from the user via a handheld control device to block or obstruct these images.

A method and apparatus for adapting a help menu on a user interface, utilizing an input method such as a speech recognition system, for increased efficiency. A list of menu items is presented on the user interface including an optional menu item to reinstate any previously removed menu items. A user selects an item from the menu, such as a help menu, which can then be removed from the list of menu items in accordance with predetermined criteria. The criteria can include how many times the menu item has been accessed and when. In this way, help menu items that are familiar to a user are removed to provide an abbreviated help menu which is more efficient and less frustrating to a user, particularly in a busy and distracting environment such as a vehicle.

A retracting two-piece cannula for distracting soft tissue from bone (e.g., the articular surface of a knee) to provide a surgical workspace for osteochondral repair. After inserting an outer cannula provided with a threaded outer surface into an incision (preferably widened by one or more dilators), the outer cannula is rotated to engage the threaded outer surface with the soft tissue to be distracted. An inner cannula is then inserted into the outer cannula and advanced until it contacts the articular surface. Further relative movement between the inner and outer cannulas causes the outer cannula to be drawn away from the articular surface, thereby retracting the soft tissue and establishing the workspace. The inner and outer cannula are then locked together to maintain the workspace, and an osteochondral core may be introduced through the inner cannula.

Methods and systems for determining the likelihood that a person is impaired, generally comprising gathering ambient data from sensors operably coupled to a primary measuring device (PMD), analyzing and / or identifying the ambient data, querying at least one database to identify baseline data regarding the person, and comparing the ambient data to the baseline data to determine the likelihood that the person is impaired. The methods and systems advantageously detect medical and / or cognitive impairment without the need for specialized devices, examination by specialists, consent of the person being evaluated, and compliance with recommendations to be examined, and may be applied to estimating the level of impairment of a person due to alcohol, drugs, exposure to toxic chemicals, changes to mental status, insufficient sleep, medical problems, changes to blood sugar levels, divided attention, vision changes, hearing changes, use of a mobile device while walking or operating a vehicle, and other factors.

In intervertebral operative spinal procedures, using separate or pre-attached spreader blocks to control the directional growth of a distracting balloon.

An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.

Implants configured for corneal implantation are disclosed that have a light transmitting portion and a light-blocking portion disposed about the periphery of the implant. The implant can be an elongate member, such as a split or continuous ring, that can be implanted in the cornea to alter the refractive properties of the cornea by altering the curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea, thereby providing corrective refraction. The light-blocking portion can reduce edge effects, which may be visible or distracting to the patient.

An information distribution system enhances a vehicle audio / video system. The system flexibly delivers audio and video, potentially obtained from many different sources, to different locations in the vehicle. Each passenger receives the audio or video that is of interest to them without distracting interruptions.

An electronic communication system provides text or voice messages to remote receiving devices, such as cell phones or PDA's. The remote receiving devices are equipped with velocity sensors, or position sensors from which velocity may be inferred. The remote receiving devices periodically report a velocity or current position to an alert signal control node of the communication system. The alert signal control node determines a most recent-determinable velocity for each receiving device before transmitting a message alert signal. If the velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the alert signal may be delayed until the velocity drops below the threshold. The system may be operated as a safety measure to prevent reception of distracting alert signals while driving, thereby silencing messaging devices at appropriate times.

This invention enables targeting, personalized measurement, and management of cognitive skills development by users, clinicians, teachers, and parents. The invention features a game based virtual learning curriculum for targeting and developing the underlying cognitive skills of executive functions. The methods and systems of the invention provide an effective and rapid video game-based training curriculum to improve the cognitive skills such as focused attention, sustained attention, cognitive inhibition, behavioral inhibition, selective attention, alternating attention, divided attention, interference control, novelty inhibition, delay of gratification, inner voice, motivational inhibition, and self-regulation. This curriculum utilizes: (i) each of the cognitive processes that underlie attention control and impulse inhibition; (ii) the identification of measurable and trainable cognitive skills; and (iii) game design and game mechanics that effectively train and enable retention of those skills. The game-based system provides a medical professional, clinician, parent, teacher and user with the ability to measure and manage training of targeted cognitive skills to reach a desired performance goal.

A lordotic implant has a frusto-conical shape with external threads. Prior to placement of the implant, vertebrae are distracted in a manner to provide a desired lordosis between the vertebrae. The pre-distracted vertebrae are then tapped to provide a tapped bore having a geometry matching the conical geometry of the implant. The threaded implant is then placed within the pre-tapped conical bore.

In the current state of the art there are a number of operable devices 11, 12, 13 known that have an operating panel 14 through which a user of the device 11, 12, 13 can produce and / or change-existing operating states, Because of the fact that manual operation is often very complex and can also result in the distraction of the user in situations that require the full the attention of a user to be directed elsewhere, the invention increases the ease of operation and simultaneously reduces the amount of attention required to be paid to the devices 11, 12, 13. The invention uses a decision unit 15 that blocks or releases certain operating states of the operable device 11, 12, 13 based on the data received. The invention can be implemented, for example, so that a mobile telephone 11 installed in a vehicle 10 does not “transfer” any telephone calls or suppresses the making of telephone calls from within the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is moving faster than a certain speed.

Methods and apparatus are provided for an intuitive and non-distracting way for a driver of a motor vehicle to access and adjust vehicle system settings. The apparatus comprises a plurality of rotary scroll wheels and a plurality of switches, each of the plurality of switches coupled to and actuable by one of the scroll wheels, and each of the plurality of rotary scroll wheels mounted on a steering wheel rim of the motor vehicle. Preferably, one of the scroll wheels is mounted in an upper right hand quadrant of the steering wheel rim and one is mounted in an upper left hand quadrant. The apparatus further includes a control unit electrically coupled to each of the plurality of switches and configured to cause a motor vehicle function to react to a signal received from at least one of the plurality of switches.

A device for humanely controlling an animal's behavior while on a restraining device such as a leash by using the resistant force between animal and restraint to engage a trigger that activates release of a distracting or deterrent spray or gas, or a sound. The device is attached to the animal's body, with the triggering mechanism against the animal's skin. In its application as a means to train dogs to walk on a loose leash, the trigger may be situated inside a collar, such that triggering occurs when the dog pulls the leash taut. Triggering can also occur if the user pulls back on the leash to administer a correction. The trigger's springiness additionally provides shock-absorbing protection to the animal's neck. Embodiments with enhanced features, based on the same mechanical principle, are also described.

In a method and system for focusing a camera focus can be repeatedly alternated between an original focus position and a plurality of other focus positions. An image can be displayed when the focus position is the original focus position. The image can be suppressed at other focus positions when the images are out of focus. The image can be displayed at one of the other focus position when the image is in focus. In this manner, the display of annoying and distracting unfocused images is mitigated.

Asynchronous message delivery to a media player is defined wherein the message provides instructions to change the SMIL (or XML) based play list dynamically at runtime without creation or provision of any entirely new play list. This play list modification does not result in a visible, distracting transition as would normally occur during an instruction to reload the SMIL play list. Changes to the media presentation occur without the visually disruptive page reload.

A dynamic display system on a for-hire vehicle (FHV) is provided, the display system being configured to change displayed information when it is safe and when other conditions are met. The FHV display system can determine it is safe when the FHV is in a defined location or meets other criteria that reduce a probability of violating a law or of other drivers allowing themselves to become distracted by the display change. The FHV display system can be configured to process information about the FHV, including its position and its speed to determine whether safety conditions are met. The FHV display system can include a notification system configured to alert the FHV operator that a display change is requested and to indicate proposed transition locations near the position of the FHV.

An access (utilization) controller to restrict or block visual or aural interaction between a vehicle operator / driver and mobile communications and information devices such as computers, mobile telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like mounted on or used in the vehicle is disclosed. The utilization controller comprises sensors to detect motion or “potential” motion of the vehicle, a processor receiving data from the sensors and inhibitor means responsive to the processor to “blank out” or otherwise inhibit any distracting visual or aural output from the communications or information devices while the vehicle is in motion or about to move. The sensor data such as speedometer, transmission gear position indicator, antilock brakes and others are extracted from a vehicle's internal monitoring and control systems.