133 results about "Sensory system" patented technology

The present disclosure describes a device and methods for safely and accurately placing screws into bones with a powered driving device. By employing multiple layers of fail-safe features and image-guidance systems, the powered driving device provides safe, accurate, and efficient screw placement. That is, the powered driving device may continuously monitor a screw advancement and placement and may automatically shutdown when improper placement is detected. Monitoring placement may be conducted by a microcurrent-monitoring system, by an image-guidance system, or by any other appropriate sensory system. Additionally, upon detecting that screw insertion is complete, the powered driving device may be automatically shutdown. As screw placement is continuously simulated by image-guidance in real time, multiple redundant verification steps are eliminated, providing highly accurate screw placement while decreasing clinician error, device contamination, and surgical time, the decreased surgical time associated with decreased patient-recovery time and associated medical costs.

Touch screen data entry accuracy can be improved utilizing a touch screen interface coupled with a computing device and a data entry-enhancing touch screen surface. The touch screen interface can include a sensory system that can be configured to detect input sensations predefined input areas displayed within a graphical user interface (GUI). The data entry-enhancing touch screen surface can include one or more focused entry depressions that can be configured to centrally direct an activation device into a user-desired input area. Each focused entry depression can be spatially aligned with a predefined input area of the GUI. The activation of additional predefined input areas of the GUI that are within close proximity to the user-desired input area can be reduced.

A small integrated diagnostic and identification system is disclosed that solves several problems associated with current sensory systems. The diagnostic and identification system comprises a bracelet with an identification mechanism that is difficult to remove and has a lock. Further, the diagnostic and identification bracelet comprises a microprocessor which communicates with various physiologic sensors wherein said physiological sensors are substantially within said bracelet. Alternatively some of the sensors may be mounted outside the bracelet and means are provided for communicating data from the outside mounted sensors to the bracelet. The physiologic sensors either routinely, automatically monitor an individual's physiology or monitor the physiology based on a user request. The resulting physiology data from each sensor is combined via a single output and displayed on a display device. The present invention may be integrated with a record management system to share and store an individual's records.

A diatrophic, bio-physiological interface is self-contained with onboard intensification, filtering, and signal processing and is wirelessly enabled (idio-electrode), with multiple sensory system for bio-physiological measurements, described herein utilizes spatially resolved potential profiles from a cluster of mini electrodes to form constituent sets comprising mini sensorial electrodes. The sets of sub electrodes containing the clusters are jointly optimized to attain measurable gradient of some diagnostic value. The present invention provides a distinct lead-free single electrode that is rotationally invariant with onboard Digital Signal Processor for arrhythmia detection, source encoding, and passive and active wireless transmission. Additionally, in one aspect of the present invention the lead-free idio-electrode bio-physiological adapter allows for utmost clinical operational freedom and dramatically obviates the needs for leads of any length that invariably encumber the acquisition and performance of electrocardiogram recordings of any sort.

There is disclosed a process for motor learning, for teaching motion, or for rehabilitation of a student, the student having a motor sensory system. Plural transducers may be coupled around at least one joint of a student, the transducers for providing kinesthetic sensations to the student through its motor sensory system. Tactile control signals may be provided to control operation of the transducers to guide motions of the student.

The Seamless Sensory System (3S), the invention, integrates state-of-the-art sensor technology with modern software engineering practices to create seamless positioning. The invention can include the incorporation of GPS / Inertial Navigation / IR and other technologies into a handheld / man wearable / mounted system that will not be compromised in hostile environments. The invention continues accurate navigation in the absence of GPS satellite signals. The invention utilizes a “continuous calibration” Kalman Filter methodology and motion sensor(s) to maintain “GPS-like” accuracy after GPS signals are no longer available. A proprietary technology called an Ultrasonic Doppler Velocity Measurement (UVM) Sensor is the invention's ‘key component’ to create “GPS like performance” under any GPS denied condition. Additional sensors are included to complete the picture of the local environment.

Disclosed is a tactile sensory system consisting of set of sensors that work by measuring impedance among plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are deployed on a substantially rigid structure that is protected form the direct contact with external objects by overlying deformable structures. These mechanical structures have similarities to the biological relationships among the distal phalanx, overlying finger pulp and covering skin and nail. Signal information is extracted form these sensors that is related to canonical physical representations used to describe stimuli to be sensed.

A device for volitional swallowing with a substitute sensory system comprises a band 101 wrapped around the neck with a vibrator 102 positioned over the larynx. Upon activation by a button 103 on a spoon 104 held by an operator, such as the subject 105, the vibrator 102 moves and vibrates the larynx. The patient 105 initiates the sensory stimulation immediately prior to the patient's own initiation of a swallow by viewing on a display screen 106 a movement feedback signal 107, possibly from a piezo-electric sensor 108 also contained in the band 101 which will also be displayed on the display screen 106. The signal 109 from the switch device initiating sensory stimulation will be presented on the same display screen 106 for the patient 105 and trainer to observe when the button or switch 103 is activated for sensory stimulation in relation to the onset of the swallow.

Disclosed is a tactile sensory system consisting of set of sensors that work by measuring impedance among plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are deployed on a substantially rigid structure that is protected form the direct contact with external objects by overlying deformable structures. These mechanical structures have similarities to the biological relationships among the distal phalanx, overlying finger pulp and covering skin and nail. Signal information is extracted form these sensors that is related to canonical physical representations used to describe stimuli to be sensed.

Method and system are disclosed to render targeted advertisement to a user by employing a television terminal, which is connected to an advertising server through a computing device. Furthermore, a remote control integrated with a sensory system that senses the user's action of holding the device is disclosed. A signal is sent to the computing device connected to the television terminal when the user is holding the remote controller. The computing device then switches on the terminal and sends an advertisement for displaying on the screen of the terminal. After receiving the user's selection of a TV channel, the programming replaces the displayed advertisement while the displayed message is moved into a “picture-in-picture” with a smaller display window. The user may select the advertisement in the window for further reviewing of more detailed information in a video / audio format. The window and displayed advertisement is removed from the screen after a predetermined period of time if the user is not intrigued by the message. Various embodiments of the sensory systems have been disclosed. In another embodiment, the remote control has the capability to collect biometrical data of the user. The data is sent to the computing device for further analysis to identify a specific user from a group. Targeted advertisements are then delivered based upon the determined user's identity.

An impact location and amplitude sensory system is provided. Such an impact sensory system may be useful in conjunction with gaming, education, as a control and feedback mechanism for virtually any surface. One embodiment of the impact sensory system may include at least one sensor and a signal processor. The sensor(s) may couple to the object. Sensors may include any of microphones and accelerometers. The sensor(s) receive an impact wave from an impact to the object, either as a propagating acoustic wave or as a traverse phase shift in natural oscillation. The sensor(s) may generate an impact signal in response to the sensed impact wave. The signal processor may couple to the sensor(s). The signal processor may include a preamplifier, an impact triangulator, and an outputter. The impact triangulater may identify a location of the impact from the impact signals. The outputter may then output data regarding the location of the impact.

A portable sensory device may be a portable object including a portable sensory system. The portable object may be a walking cane or an item of clothing. The portable sensory system may include a proximity sensor configured to generate an output signal in response to detecting an object in a predetermined sensory range, such as a solid angle. The portable sensory system may further include a sensory actuator, to which a control signal is sent to generate user feedback in response to the output signal provided by the proximity sensor. In this manner, sensory information associated with specific visual information for the sensory range may be provided to the user.

The invention provides for a wireless and data logging capable bio sensor system worn by individuals that transmits and stores biometric information gathered from multiple and diverse sensors on or near the individual's body. Through these sensors and its transmitters this device can convey and store vast amounts of information pertaining to an individual's physical condition and neurological state as well as the effects of physical activity on the individual's body. This data collection and sensory system could also be applied to biomechanical animal studies. Versions of this invention applied to the medical industry will allow medical specialists and patients to monitor health conditions in real time. This system will log historical biometric data to create an accurate mosaic of physical performances and conditions over a period of time. Logging of individual biometric data will create a unique and key biometric signature for each user.

A health-monitoring system and method are disclosed. The health-monitoring system and method comprise a sensory system and a sensory to front-end communication (SFCM) protocol coupled to the sensory system. The health-monitoring system and method include a front-end system coupled to the sensory system and a front-end to back-end communication (FBCM) protocol coupled to the front-end system. The health-monitoring system and method include a back-end system. The SFCM protocol communicates with the front-end system using a first state awareness link and the FBCM protocol communicates with the back-end system using a second state awareness link.

A sensory system and method for optimizing the cycle time of a part-forming process, wherein the temperature status of a molded part is ascertained and utilized to enable minimization of mold close time.

Audio-derived information is provided to a vehicle control system of a vehicle by attaching a microphone externally to a vehicle to generate an analog signal in response to sound waves external to the vehicle. An enclosure containing sound-attenuating material mechanically filters low frequency sounds from reaching the microphone transducer. An analog-to-digital converter converts the analog signal to a digital signal. A vehicle data bus transfers the digital signal to the vehicle control system.

System of translation between written or performed music and visual, tactile and motion sensation experiences. Specific metaphors for most aspects of music among these non-audio media are described. Examples include rules for color assignment to pitches in a scale; positioning visual representations of notes; visualizing notes between pitches; arranging tactile stimuli to represent pitches; and rendering stages of cadence with motion sensing experiences such as movement within space, or changes in one's tilt, pitch, etc. The system includes documentation of theoretical / interpretive elements such as key signature, current chord, association of notes with melody, as they occur in a piece, along with metaphors for their translation in these non-audible media. The metaphors are strictly prescribed, yet accommodating large variations and freedoms in visual, tactile and motion renderings by producers / artists, allowing for visual, tactile or motor metaphors for non-musical instrument sounds such as finger sliding across windings of a guitar string.

The present application relates generally to systems and methods for controlling operation of a winch system. As one example, lighting control system of the winch system may include a plurality of lights coupled to the winch, a plurality of sensors coupled to the winch, and a controller including memory with instructions for: adjusting an output of the plurality of lights in response to signals received from the plurality of sensors to indicate an operational status of the winch. In this way, the plurality of lights and plurality of sensors may work together in a synergistic manner to create alerts for an operator of the winch system.

Assessment of one of the sensory nervous systems of a human subject using patterns of null and non-null stimuli. Parts of the visual system for example, are presented with two simultaneous sequences of stimuli. Each sequence is varied over time between a null stimulus and one or more less frequent non-null stimuli. The variation of each sequence is also controlled so that neighbouring parts of the sensory system are less likely to receive simultaneous non-null stimuli. The stimuli are therefore sparse both in time and in some other aspect, typically a spatial dimension. One or more responses of the subject are measured and weight functions are determined for assessment of the sensory system.

A small integrated diagnostic and identification system is disclosed that solves several problems associated with current sensory systems. The diagnostic and identification system comprises a bracelet with an identification mechanism that is difficult to remove and has a lock. Further, the diagnostic and identification bracelet comprises a microprocessor which communicates with various physiologic sensors wherein said physiological sensors are substantially within said bracelet. Alternatively some of the sensors may be mounted outside the bracelet and means are provided for communicating data from the outside mounted sensors to the bracelet. The physiologic sensors either routinely, automatically monitor an individual's physiology or monitor the physiology based on a user request. The resulting physiology data from each sensor is combined via a single output and displayed on a display device. The present invention may be integrated with a record management system to share and store an individual's records.

Oxygen sensor systems that are effective in substantially reducing the risk of causing an operating room fire instigated by electrocautery surgical instruments and laser systems. The systems preferably include a conventional hand-held electrocautery instrument coupled with an oxygen sensor, the latter being operative to cutoff power to the electrocautery instrument or oxygen ventilation system once oxygen concentration levels are detected that exceed predetermined thresholds. In addition, the sensor would be coupled with an alarm system designed to warn the operating room staff of unsafe levels oxygen in the surgical environment. In further refinements of the invention, the oxygen sensor tip may be placed separate from the electrocautery instrument in the operative field, or even just outside the source of the oxygen to assure against excessive leaks. In still further refinements, the electrocautery device may be operative to shield the electrocautery tip once oxygen concentration levels are detected to exceed a predetermined threshold.

The invention relates to a pressure compensation valve and a load sensory system. The pressure compensation valve comprises a valve body and a pressure compensation valve element arranged in the valve body and further comprises a one-way valve, wherein the valve body is provided with an oil inlet cavity, a pressure control cavity, a load sensory cavity and a load control cavity, the oil inlet cavity is communicated with one control end of the pressure compensation valve element through an oil channel with a damping hole, the pressure control cavity and the load control cavity are communicated with an oil inlet and an oil return opening of the one-way valve respectively, the load sensory cavity is communicated with the other control end of the pressure compensation valve element through an oil channel with a damping hole, and pressure oil input from the oil inlet cavity passes through the pressure compensation valve element and then is output from the pressure control cavity. Due to the one-way valve arranged between the pressure control cavity and the load control cavity, pressure signals of a high-load work link cannot be transmitted to the pressure control cavity of the pressure compensation valve on a low-load work link inversely, and accordingly the pressure difference of the two ends of the pressure compensation valve is stabilized, it is guaranteed that the compensation function of the pressure compensation valve is stable, and fluctuation is reduced.

There is disclosed a process for motor learning, for teaching motion, or for rehabilitation of a student, the student having a motor sensory system. Plural transducers may be coupled around at least one joint of a student, the transducers for providing kinesthetic sensations to the student through its motor sensory system. Tactile control signals may be provided to control operation of the transducers to guide motions of the student.

A bioelectric interface for monitoring, detection and transmission of detected ECG data is provided comprising a sensory system for detecting bio-physiological measurements utilizing spatially resolved potential profiles obtained from a localized cluster of sub-electrodes to form constituent sets of miniature sensor arrays. Using only a single macro-electrode, two or more sets of sub-electrode arrays are used to measure bipolar spatial gradients obtained from measured cardiac potentials. The sets of sub-electrodes containing the clusters are optimized to attain measurable gradients of diagnostic value. A minimax procedure allows bio-potential sensory acquisition through a bi-directional digital steering process, which essentially comprises monitoring, detection, selection, grouping, recording and transmission of ECG waveform characteristic data.

Methods and systems for inspecting insulated equipment for corrosion under insulation are provided. The system includes an autonomous unmanned vehicle having aerial and ground locomotive capabilities. The vehicle includes an infrared detector and a pulsed eddy current sensor. In the method, infrared waves emitted from the equipment are detected along the equipment with the infrared detector. Using the infrared detector, at least one image of an inner surface of the equipment is developed based on the detected infrared waves. At least one area that is susceptible to corrosion is determined based on the at least one image. The susceptible area is inspected with the pulsed eddy current sensor, which induces an eddy current in the inner wall of the equipment. Based on a rate of the decay in strength of the eddy current, it is determined whether corrosion exists at the susceptible area using a processor configured by code.

A reagent is provided for the detection of an exotoxin protein produced by a betahemolytic streptococcus bacteria suspected of being present in a host biological fluid collected from a subject. A kit is provided that is readily usable by an unskilled user and merely requires that an element of the kit be contacted with a biological sample and that element is then subjected to electromagnetic spectral energy. The incident electromagnetic spectral energy then reacts with the exotoxin protein indicator and can be reliably measured by an electromagnetic spectral emission. The emission is measured by a reporting module and is displayed to the user in a form recognized by the user's sensory systems; sight, sound, etc. or a combination thereof.

Methods and systems of providing hands-on developmental therapy to a subject by a care provider are disclosed. The method can include providing a subject to receive hands-on therapy, assessing the developmental needs of the subject, selecting a level corresponding to the developmental needs of the subject, providing the subject with therapeutic tools and activities corresponding to the therapeutic tools, and guiding the subject through the hands-on therapy corresponding to the selected level. The levels include activities of increasing difficulty with the subject using the same therapeutic tools for each level. The levels can also include a sensory level with sensory tools and activities to improve the sensory system of the subject. The methods and systems of providing hands-on developmental therapy can improve a subject's fine motor skills, strength, and sensory skills.

This invention describes (i) an occupant classification, (ii) a baby seat detection, and (iii) an integrated occupant sensory system. The main goal of the invention is to provide the vehicle's restraint device(s) with enough information about the vehicle's occupant as to take the most appropriate actions necessary for the safety of the occupant. This invention (or some sub-modules of it) does not have to be restricted to the use in automotive restraint systems as it may be used in several other applications as well.

A method an device for detecting and stabilizing a fishtailing trailer using wheel forces. In particular, a method for stabilizing a vehicle combination made up of a towing vehicle and a trailer in which lateral forces acting on at least one wheel or at least one tire are ascertained with the aid of a sensory system that detects wheel forces or tire forces, the existence of a fishtailing movement of the trailer is detected from the ascertained lateral forces and, in the event of a detected fishtailing movement of the trailer, a braking intervention and / or steering intervention is performed.

A portable early learning sensory system configured to aid the development of a child through interaction with a caregiver and to provide the caregiver with an explanation regarding the use of the objects in system to illicit developmentally appropriate responses from the child. The portable early learning sensory system includes tactile learning components, visual learning components, auditory learning components, and caregiver assistance guides associated with each learning component. The caregiver assistance guides contain information on how to use the learning components effectively with the child in order to illicit the developmentally appropriate response from the child, developmental milestones, and safety information.