2220 results about "Guidance system" patented technology

A control system for a medical remote catheter guidance system includes an ECU, a computer-readable memory coupled to the ECU, and user interface (UI) logic stored in the memory configured to be executed by the ECU. The user interface logic receives input from a touch screen display with respect to a view of an anatomical model, associates a user type with the input, and interprets the input according to the associated user type and input. The user interface logic may be further configured to receive simultaneous inputs from at least two different users and to associate different user types with each of said simultaneous inputs. The user interface logic may associate each input with a user type according to a location of the input on the touch screen display.

A photographer's guidance system is formed of a computer-based processor made responsive to location, time of day, manual user inputs, among others to provide photo exposure suggestions based upon information stored as photo set-up descriptors. In response to user requests in combination with present conditions such as time, location weather, etc., a database request is executed against stored photo set-up data to produce a result set of photo set-up descriptors. These descriptors are used both manually and automatically to assist a photographer user in setting up a photo exposure in agreement with the prescribed parameters. These systems may be directly coupled with a DSLR type camera and may operate via user controls and interfaces thereof. In alternative versions, these system have independent control and user interfaces with outputs coupled to a DSLR control. In still further other versions, an entirely manual system leaves it to the photographer to set up a camera of the art in agreement with parameters presented in resultsets.

Systems and methods for enhanced sports-related media content access and display are provided. An intelligent tuning module for multi-tuner systems may designate one sporting event as a primary sporting event and another sporting event as a secondary sporting event. A primary tuner may tune the primary event whenever possible and a secondary tuner may tune the secondary event whenever possible. Sporting events may be assigned user profile scores and tuned away from in reverse priority order. An interactive scoreboard may also be displayed with various game status and alert icons. The interactive scoreboard may allow a viewer to quickly tune between high-interest sporting events. Sports-specific features, such as wagering and fantasy league support, are also provided.

A drive assembly for use in a robotic control and guidance system comprises a cartridge having an outer housing and a rotatable medical device assembly disposed therein. The rotatable assembly includes a medical device having proximal and distal ends, and a housing having first and second ends, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The proximal end of the medical device is disposed within the housing, and the housing further comprises an opening through which the medical device extends outwardly from said housing. The rotatable assembly further comprises a drive interface coupled with the housing. The drive assembly further comprises a manipulation base comprising a mounting plate onto which the cartridge is removably attached, and a drive system mounted to the mounting plate. The drive system is configured to operatively engage the cartridge drive interface and to impart rotational movement onto the rotatable assembly through the drive interface.

When selecting a television program for recording, a user may configure the delivery of the selected television program and associated data and interactive applications to different user equipment devices in a home network, which may have different capabilities. Because the user equipment devices in the home network may have different capabilities, the user may wish to deliver different types and amount of content, different amounts of data, and different versions of interactive applications to the user equipment devices in the home network.

When selecting a television program for recording, a user may configure the delivery of the selected television program and associated data and interactive applications to different user equipment devices in a home network, which may have different capabilities. Because the user equipment devices in the home network may have different capabilities, the user may wish to deliver different types and amount of content, different amounts of data, and different versions of interactive applications to the user equipment devices in the home network.

Provided is a part mounting position guidance device with which an operator can easily recognize a position of a machine in which a part or unit composing a machine having a complexed structure is mounted. The part mounting position guidance device includes a control unit which includes: a position order data acquisition unit that acquires position order data in which one or more pieces of position information of from a predetermined position of a machine to a mounting position of a part are ordered for each part composing the machine; and a guidance display control unit that causes a display unit to display in order, images indicating one or more pieces of position information from an image indicating the predetermined position of the machine to the image indicating the mounting position of the part, on the basis of the position order data acquired by the position order data acquisition unit.

The present invention includes a number of embodiments for improving vehicle situational awareness at intersections. A first embodiment may comprise a lens fitted at the top of the windshield or outside the vehicle, for refracting the light to the driver, so the driver may more easily see signals, signage and other features of an intersection, as well as other traffic. A second embodiment of the invention is used as an aid to prompt the driver that a light has changed. In a third embodiment, the light change sensor may be combined with other vehicle status information. As the car comes to a stop, the route guidance system may determine if the vehicle is at or in the vicinity of an intersection. Depending on the route guidance database, the system may also know whether or not there are traffic lights at the intersection. Using the vehicle's on board forward-looking radar sensor, the system may then determine if it is first in line at the intersection. In a fourth embodiment the system may be part of a portable after-market routing device. In a fifth embodiment the system, either portable or fixed, may be used to detect changes in the intensity of the brake lights of the vehicle ahead.

The invention relates to the guidance, positioning and placement confirmation of intravascular devices, such as catheters, stylets, guidewires and other flexible elongate bodies that are typically inserted percutaneously into the venous or arterial vasculature. Currently these goals are achieved using x-ray imaging and in some cases ultrasound imaging. This invention provides a method to substantially reduce the need for imaging related to placing an intravascular catheter or other device. Reduced imaging needs also reduce the amount of radiation that patients are subjected to, reduce the time required for the procedure, and decrease the cost of the procedure by reducing the time needed in the radiology department. An aspect of the invention includes, for example, an endovenous access and guidance system. The system comprises: an elongate flexible member adapted and configured to access the venous vasculature of a patient; a sensor disposed at a distal end of the elongate flexible member and configured to provide in vivo non-image based ultrasound information of the venous vasculature of the patient; a processor configured to receive and process in vivo non-image based ultrasound information of the venous vasculature of the patient provided by the sensor and to provide position information regarding the position of the distal end of the elongate flexible member within the venous vasculature of the patient; and an output device adapted to output the position information from the processor.

A parking guidance system tracks available parking spaces and leads users to vacant spots through display boards placed at strategic locations in the parking lot. Sensor nodes are deployed at parking spaces or within traffic lanes to monitor parking space occupancy and wirelessly transmit this information. The sensor nodes form a wireless network that routes the knowledge of available spaces to the corresponding display boards and updates them in real time. Parking availability information may also be shared with users in a variety of other ways such as through the Internet, personal digital assistants, computers, mobile telephones, in-vehicle dashboards, and others.

An integrated surgical anchor / localization sensor is disclosed. The anchor is adapted to be secured to an anatomical structure and contains a sensor housing. A receiver is located within the sensor housing and is adapted to sense reference signals generated by a surgical guidance system. A transmitter, connected to the receiver, conveys to a processor signals received by the receiver, so that the signals transmitted by the receiver are indicative of a current position of the anchor. Various other structures and methods are also disclosed.

When selecting a television program for recording, a user may configure the delivery of the selected television program and associated data and interactive applications to different user equipment devices in a home network, which may have different capabilities. Because the user equipment devices in the home network may have different capabilities, the user may wish to deliver different types and amount of content, different amounts of data, and different versions of interactive applications to the user equipment devices in the home network.

A non-mechanical gimbal system is presented. The gimbal system includes a gimbal housing, including hemispherical and annular caps, rotatable sphere, and at least two curvilinear actuators. The hemispherical cap is attached to the annular cap in a removable fashion so as to surround the rotatable sphere. The curvilinear actuators are disposed between the rotatable sphere and gimbal housing. Curvilinear actuators rotate the rotatable sphere, via shear induced motion, with respect to the interior surface of the gimbal housing. The present invention has immediate applicability within security devices, games, toys, weapons (including guidance systems and aiming), and communication systems.

The invention relates to a voice-controlled vehicle GPS navigating system and the method for realizing the same, comprising the following steps of: 1, an electric map module make the place names in a map into a place name list, and the place name list is used as a distinguishing set for a voice distinguishing module and then is sent to the voice distinguishing module; 2, the start-up key of the voice distinguishing module is turned on; 3, the voice distinguishing module receives input voice and extracts characters of the input voice; 4, voice recognition is performed after abstracting the characters; 5, after the voice recognition is finished, a plurality of candidates are output for the final affirmation of users; 6, the final results affirmed by users are transmitted to the electric map module and then is mapped into corresponding map coordinate to be displayed on a screen. The invention not only simplified the operation procedures of GPS device, but also provides safeguards for drivers, and the invention, at the same time, facilitates the popularization of GPS.

An endovascular access and guidance system has an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end; a non-imaging ultrasound transducer on the elongate body configured to provide in vivo non-image based ultrasound information of the vasculature of the patient; an endovascular electrogram lead on the elongate body in a position that, when the elongate body is in the vasculature, the endovascular electrogram lead electrical sensing segment provides an in vivo electrogram signal of the patient; a processor configured to receive and process a signal from the non-imaging ultrasound transducer and a signal from the endovascular electrogram lead; and an output device configured to display a result of information processed by the processor. An endovascular device has an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end; a non-imaging ultrasound transducer on the elongate body; and an endovascular electrogram lead on the elongate body in a position that, when the endovascular device is in the vasculature, the endovascular electrogram lead is in contact with blood. The method of positioning an endovascular device in the vasculature of a body is performed by advancing the endovascular device into the vasculature; transmitting a non-imaging ultrasound signal into the vasculature using a non-imaging ultrasound transducer on the endovascular device; receiving a reflected ultrasound signal with the non-imaging ultrasound transducer; detecting an endovascular electrogram signal with a sensor on the endovascular device; processing the reflected ultrasound signal received by the non-imaging ultrasound transducer and the endovascular electrogram signal detected by the sensor; and positioning the endovascular device based on the processing step.

The invention relates to the guidance, positioning and placement confirmation of intravascular devices, such as catheters, stylets, guidewires and other flexible elongate bodies that are typically inserted percutaneously into the venous or arterial vasculature. Currently these goals are achieved using x-ray imaging and in some cases ultrasound imaging. This invention provides a method to substantially reduce the need for imaging related to placing an intravascular catheter or other device. Reduced imaging needs also reduce the amount of radiation that patients are subjected to, reduce the time required for the procedure, and decrease the cost of the procedure by reducing the time needed in the radiology department. An aspect of the invention includes, for example, an endovenous access and guidance system. The system comprises: an elongate flexible member adapted and configured to access the venous vasculature of a patient; a sensor disposed at a distal end of the elongate flexible member and configured to provide in vivo non-image based ultrasound information of the venous vasculature of the patient; a processor configured to receive and process in vivo non-image based ultrasound information of the venous vasculature of the patient provided by the sensor and to provide position information regarding the position of the distal end of the elongate flexible member within the venous vasculature of the patient; and an output device adapted to output the position information from the processor.

A surgical apparatus includes a surgical device, configured to be manipulated by a user to perform a procedure on a patient, and a computer system. The computer system is programmed to implement control parameters for controlling the surgical device to provide at least one of haptic guidance to the user and a limit on user manipulation of the surgical device, based on a relationship between an anatomy of the patient and at least one of a position, an orientation, a velocity, and an acceleration of a portion of the surgical device, and to adjust the control parameters in response to movement of the anatomy during the procedure.

A sleep efficiency monitor and methods for pacing and leading a sleeper through an optimal sleep pattern. Embodiments of the present invention include a physiological characteristic monitor for monitoring the sleep stages of a sleeper, a sensory stimulus generator for generating stimulus to affect the sleep stages of a sleeper, and a processor for determining what sleep stage the sleeper is in and what sensory stimulus is needed to cause the sleeper to move to another sleep stage. A personalized sleep profile may also be established for the sleeper and sleep guided in accordance with the profile parameters to optimize a sleep session. By providing sensory stimulus to a sleeper, the sleeper may be guided through the various sleep stages in an optimal pattern so that the sleeper awakens refreshed even if sleep is disrupted during the night or the sleeper's allotted sleep period is different than usual. Embodiments of the invention also involve calibration of the sleep guidance system to a particular sleeper.

A control system for a medical remote catheter guidance system includes an ECU, a computer-readable memory coupled to the ECU, and user interface (UI) logic stored in the memory configured to be executed by the ECU. The user interface logic receives input from a touch screen display with respect to a view of an anatomical model, associates a user type with the input, and interprets the input according to the associated user type and input. The user interface logic may be further configured to receive simultaneous inputs from at least two different users and to associate different user types with each of said simultaneous inputs. The user interface logic may associate each input with a user type according to a location of the input on the touch screen display.

A “New To Me” feature is provided for an interactive media guidance system implemented as a home network having multiple user equipment devices. Functionally speaking, the “New To Me” feature of the interactive media guidance system identifies programs or advertisements that have been previously viewed by an individual user or a user equipment device within the home network, or even by a household. The interactive media guidance system may use the information gathered regarding the programs and / or advertisements that have already been seen by a user, device or household to, for example, remove the programs or advertisements from future displays of recommendations, search results or listings of available programming.

A supervisory safety-control system is implemented by dividing a mine's territory into zones of free operation ("permission zones") wherein a vehicle is allowed to move according to predetermined permission parameters but unhindered by other system constraints. Traffic of autonomous vehicles in each permission zone is controlled by the supervisory system in conjunction with and in addition to conventional safety constraints associated with the guidance system that effects the vehicle's tracking of predetermined trajectories. Permission zones are assigned and activated using criteria that ensure the vehicle will remain entirely within active zones so long as the vehicle acts within such predetermined permission parameters. Each permission zone is also associated with a maximum velocity profile that overrides guidance-system safety controls, if necessary, and ensures stoppage of the vehicle at the end of the permission zone.

A method and system for performing invasive procedures includes a surgical robot which is controlled by a guidance system that uses time of flight calculations from RF transmitters embedded in the robot, surgical instrument, and patient anatomy. Sensors around the room detect RF transmissions emitted by the RF transmitters and drive the robot according to a preprogrammed trajectory entered into the guidance system.

MRI compatible localization and / or guidance systems for facilitating placement of an interventional therapy and / or device in vivo include: (a) a mount adapted for fixation to a patient; (b) a targeting cannula with a lumen configured to attach to the mount so as to be able to controllably translate in at least three dimensions; and (c) an elongate probe configured to snugly slidably advance and retract in the targeting cannula lumen, the elongate probe comprising at least one of a stimulation or recording electrode. In operation, the targeting cannula can be aligned with a first trajectory and positionally adjusted to provide a desired internal access path to a target location with a corresponding trajectory for the elongate probe. Automated systems for determining an MR scan plane associated with a trajectory and for determining mount adjustments are also described.

An integrated surgical anchor / localization sensor is disclosed. The anchor is adapted to be secured to an anatomical structure and contains a sensor housing. A receiver is located within the sensor housing and is adapted to sense reference signals generated by a surgical guidance system. A transmitter, connected to the receiver, conveys to a processor signals received by the receiver, so that the signals transmitted by the receiver are indicative of a current position of the anchor. Various other structures and methods are also disclosed.

A variable magnet system for manipulating a magnetic catheter is described. In one embodiment, a cluster of electromagnets is configured to generate a desired magnetic field. In one embodiment, one or more poles of the cluster are moveable with respect to other poles in the cluster to allow shaping of the magnetic field. In one embodiment, one or more magnetic poles can be extended or retracted to shape the magnetic field. In one embodiment, the electromagnets can be positioned to generate magnetic fields that exert a desired torque and / or movement force on the catheter. In one embodiment, the catheter guidance system includes a closed-loop servo feedback system. In one embodiment, a radar system is used to determine the location of the distal end of the catheter inside the body, thus, minimizing or eliminating the use of ionizing radiation such as X-rays. The catheter guidance system can also be used in combination with an X-ray system (or other imaging systems) to provide additional imagery to the operator. The magnetic system used in the magnetic catheter guidance system can also be used to locate the catheter tip to provide location feedback to the operator and the control system. In one embodiment, a magnetic field source is used to create a magnetic field of sufficient strength and orientation to move a magnetically-responsive catheter tip in a desired direction by a desired amount.

A missile guidance system designed to operate on GPS signals in an anti-jamming environment. The inventive system includes first, second and third airborne vehicles (20). A GPS receiver (24) is mounted on each of the three vehicles (20) to receive signals transmitted from spaceborne satellites (14). Each vehicle (20) acts as a pseudo-satellite or "pseudolite'. The received GPS signals are processed by a processor (26) to provide a first intermediate signal indicating the position of the vehicle (20). This signal is retransmitted from each vehicle and received by a GPS receiver mounted on a missile. The received intermediate signal is processed on the missile to provide an output signal indicating the position thereof. The pseudolites would be airborne in the vicinity of a target area. Because the pseudolites are relatively close to the targets compared to a satellite in high altitude orbit and because the pseudolites would be able to transmit a kilowatt or more power, the signal strength may be improved significantly. To succeed as a jammer, a jammer, successful against GPS satellites, would need considerably more power to succeed against aircraft carried pseudolites. The pseudolite system delivers GPS signals into the target area 40-70 dB stronger than signals coming directly from GPS satellites. By timing the signals for 100% time coverage, enemy C / A code receivers will be jammed because they are limited to a J / S capability of 30 dB.

A guidance system for directing a towed implement comprising: a first DGPS system, comprising an antenna located on a towing vehicle in operable communication with a receiver; a second DGPS system comprising another antenna located on a towed implement in operable communication with another receiver; a receiver configured to receive differential correctors from a reference GPS system; a controller in operable communication with the first DGPS system, the second DGPS system, and the receiver, the controller generating a first steering command; and a steering mechanism in operable communication with the controller and configured to direct a towed implement based on the first steering command provided thereto.

A “New To Me” feature is provided for an interactive media guidance system implemented as a home network having multiple user equipment devices. Functionally speaking, the “New To Me” feature of the interactive media guidance system identifies programs or advertisements that have been previously viewed by an individual user or a user equipment device within the home network, or even by a household. The interactive media guidance system may use the information gathered regarding the programs and / or advertisements that have already been seen by a user, device or household to, for example, remove the programs or advertisements from future displays of recommendations, search results or listings of available programming.

The present invention provides a method whereby the spatial relationship and orientations of one or more three-dimensional objects being illuminated by an optical projector, and the optical projector itself, can be very accurately defined both quickly and easily. The present invention also provides a novel computerized optical projection system whereby three dimensional data when viewed by the human eye projected onto three dimensional objects is not deformed as a result of the non-planar projection surface. The present invention could have many applications in many industries that include entertainment, apparel, marketing, and many others. In one embodiment, the invention provides computerized optical assembly or manufacturing guidance systems, and related methods, that provide step-by-step assembly or manufacturing instructions for instructing technicians how to assemble or manufacture three-dimensional objects or systems, or parts thereof, which may be extremely complex, such as an aircraft, or a part thereof (a vertical stabilizer, or the like), in a very efficient, rapid and accurate manner. The assembly instructions are in the form of calibrated three-dimensional text, images and / or symbols, and are projected by one or a plurality of optical projectors that are in operable communication with one or a plurality of computers onto the three-dimensional objects or systems, or component parts or skins thereof.