67 results about "Physical limitations" patented technology

A portable lancing aid for providing liquid samples comprises a lancet system having at least one lancet, a tensioning device, and an electromechanical actuator. The tensioning device can be tensioned by the electromechanical actuator. The portable lancing aid may further include an energy source for storing electrical energy that is connected to the electromechanical actuator. Additionally, the portable lancing aid may include an interface for charging the energy source where the interface is externally accessible from the lancet system. The invention is ergonomical and easy to handle for children and patients with physical limitations. Furthermore, a lancing system for collecting liquid samples is provided with a portable lancing aid that is detachably mountable to a charging station for charging the portable lancing aid.

A method and apparatus that eliminates blind networking and allows targeted networking amongst event attendees, both for personal as well as professional reasons, while also making events ubiquitously available anytime anywhere beyond the physical limitations of time and space, such that anyone anywhere in the world can not only attend the event from the comfort of his office desk or home but also network with the other event attendees without physically attending the event is disclosed. Event hosts can be any non-profit / for-profit organization or entity hosting events of any nature in any realm. Another embodiment of the invention provides enhanced, multiple levels of profile content privacy that give complete freedom, control, and flexibility to the users to express themselves fearlessly by controlling the specific chosen contents in their profiles for input, storage, analysis, retrieval, and / or display to specific chosen authorized users or groups. Another embodiment of the invention provides integration in a chat / instant messaging to allow a user to set up an online meeting with one or more participants in the chat and / or that allows a user to find a meeting place where one or more participants can decide to meet in person locally or globally in various parts of the world. Another embodiment of the invention is related to sales and revenue generation, particularly for e-commerce / e-services companies whose products or services, which include but not limited to, yellow page, directory, or business information databases by area, reach large numbers of users directly.

The present invention is a voltage mode digital controller for low-power high-frequency dc-dc converters that has recovery time approaching physical limitations of a given power stage. It consists of a digital controller with load transient response approaching physical limitations of a given power stage that is suitable for low-power SMPS. In one aspect the invention is a method of utilizing a continuous-time digital signal processor (CT-DSP) for regulation of the operation of switch-mode power supplies. A CT-DSP can be used to instantaneously detect changes of voltage or current during transition periods and immediately perform control action that results in the fastest possible response. The invention may include current program mode controllers for SMPS where the input current is sensed as well as power factor correction rectifiers (PFC), where often input voltage, input current and output voltage are sensed. Upon sensing a deviation in the input voltage the CT-DSP is utilized to apply a switch-mode power operation whereby the controller switches between continuous-time and digital function.

Real-time control of a dynamical system is provided by determining control variables that get as close as possible to producing a desired response. Additional consideration of physical limitations leads to a convex Quadratic Program with inequality constraints that needs to be solved in real-time. A new active set algorithm is described to solve the convex Quadratic Program efficiently that meets real-time requirements. Based on the key observation that the physical limitations of the system translate to optimal active sets that remain relatively unchanged over time (even though the actual optimal controls may be varying), starting guesses for the active set obtained from the final iterate in the previous time period greatly reduces the number of iterations and hence allows the Quadratic Programs to be solved to convergence in real-time.

An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

A yoga comfort system wedge is provided constructed of medium density, high quality, closed cell foam materials and adhesives comprised of layers and septums which create a uniquely flexible prop. The construction forms a triangularly shaped yoga, fitness, or therapeutic device in the form of a flexible wedge which allows users to achieve or maintain certain poses, stretches, exercises or therapeutic positions while improving tactile comfort and aiding range of motion. Said device has advantages over traditional types of yoga, meditation, fitness, or therapy devices. The invention allows for users with specific physical limitations to comfortably modify and maintain desired poses or exercises which would not ordinarily be possible, while at the same time provides for the advanced user to practice their highly skilled activities with greater comfort and ease.

To overcome the physical limitation of the display screen size, some computing devices may use the display screen as a window to show a subset of a larger “virtual desktop”. For example, a laptop with an 800×600 pixel display may show a subset of a 1280×1024 pixel virtual desktop. The user then manipulates scrollbars on the sides of the display to move the window to the portion of the virtual desktop he wishes to view. The display screen may pose a particular problem for personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, and other handheld devices which have relatively small displays. A hand held device of the present disclosure is its own mouse, such that a virtual desktop may be navigated by moving the device itself to display desired portions of the virtual desktop on the screen of the device.

Various methods and systems for auctioning mutually exclusive items such as golf tee times, restaurant reservations, concert tickets or hotel reservations are disclosed. Mutually exclusive can refer to items that cannot be possessed simultaneously because of physical limitations or to multiple items that could be simultaneously physically possessed but the bidder would only want possession of, at most, one of the items. An electronic auction method therefore performs the following operations: (1) an ordered processing of ranked bids to compare currently active bids with current winning bids to determine the new winning bids; (2) notifying unsuccessful bidders via e-mail to increase their bids; (3) comparing the new bid amount to all outstanding active and winning bids if the unsuccessful active bid is increased; (4) designating the active bid an inactive bid and designating the next highest ranked bid as the user's current active bid if the unsuccessful bid is not increased in the allotted time; and, (5) continuing the protocol until all bidders either have a winning bid or no remaining active bids. An auction system includes a Central Auction Controller (CAC) that allows sellers to list items for auction and users to enter bids and rank orderings. The CAC maintains a central database comprising a database of user information, a database of items and bids and a database of vendor information. Administration of the system is accomplished via an I / O device and CPU and an optional e-mail processor allows automated messaging to users. This methodology allows users to effectively bid on a large number of mutually exclusive items but receive at most one item at the end of the auction. This method has the favorable effects for the users of: (1) increasing the probability of successfully bidding for at least one item; (2) making the auction process more convenient by greatly reducing the need for actively monitoring the auction; and, (3) decreasing the possibility a user will be out bid at the last moment and receive no item. This method has the favorable effects for the seller of increasing the probability their listed items will sell and increasing the expected average sales price.

An apparatus utilizing additive interleaved switchmode (PWM) power conversion stages, having minimal or no output filter, to achieve high bandwidth or even ideally instantaneous power conversion. The additive process may involve voltage stacking of isolated PWM converters, which are interleaved in time, or may involve a single input power supply and inductively combining output currents of PWM power converters interleaved in time, with either additive circuit having minimal or no output filtering. This circuit may overcome limitations for the frequency of feedback control loops once thought to be physical limitations, such as, fundamental switching frequency, output filter delay and the Nyquist criteria.

Apparatuses and methods for limiting the angle of incidence (AOI) of light reaching a dichroic filter. The apparatus may include an AOI filter element and the dichroic filter. The apparatus may be a sensor and may include a photodetector. The dichroic filter may be configured to prevent light having a wavelength outside a band pass region from reaching the photodetector and to pass light having a wavelength within the band pass. Physical limitations of the dichroic filter may preclude the dichroic filter from preventing high AOI light having a wavelength outside a band pass region from reaching the photodetector. The AOI filter element may be configured to prevent light having a high AOI from reaching the dichroic band pass filter and to propagate light having a low AOI to the dichroic band pass filter. The AOI filter element may be a fiber optic bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers.

An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

A method and apparatus that eliminates blind networking and allows targeted networking amongst event attendees, both for personal as well as professional reasons, while also making events ubiquitously available anytime anywhere beyond the physical limitations of time and space, such that anyone anywhere in the world can not only attend the event from the comfort of his office desk or home but also network with the other event attendees without physically attending the event is disclosed. Event hosts can be any non-profit / for-profit organization or entity hosting events of any nature in any realm. Another embodiment of the invention provides enhanced, multiple levels of profile content privacy that give complete freedom, control, and flexibility to the users to express themselves fearlessly by controlling the specific chosen contents in their profiles for input, storage, analysis, retrieval, and / or display to specific chosen authorized users or groups. Another embodiment of the invention provides integration in a chat / instant messaging to allow a user to set up an online meeting with one or more participants in the chat and / or that allows a user to find a meeting place where one or more participants can decide to meet in person locally or globally in various parts of the world. Another embodiment of the invention is related to sales and revenue generation, particularly for e-commerce / e-services companies whose products or services, which include but not limited to, yellow page, directory, or business information databases by area, reach large numbers of users directly.

Various methods and systems for auctioning mutually exclusive items such as golf tee times, restaurant reservations, concert tickets or hotel reservations are disclosed. Mutually exclusive can refer to items that cannot be possessed simultaneously because of physical limitations or to multiple items that could be simultaneously physically possessed but the bidder would only want possession of, at most, one of the items. An electronic auction method therefore performs the following operations: (1) an ordered processing of ranked bids to compare currently active bids with current winning bids to determine the new winning bids; (2) notifying unsuccessful bidders via e-mail to increase their bids; (3) comparing the new bid amount to all outstanding active and winning bids if the unsuccessful active bid is increased; (4) designating the active bid an inactive bid and designating the next highest ranked bid as the user's current active bid if the unsuccessful bid is not increased in the allotted time; and, (5) continuing the protocol until all bidders either have a winning bid or no remaining active bids. An auction system includes a Central Auction Controller (CAC) that allows sellers to list items for auction and users to enter bids and rank orderings. The CAC maintains a central database comprising a database of user information, a database of items and bids and a database of vendor information. Administration of the system is accomplished via an I / O device and CPU and an optional e-mail processor allows automated messaging to users. This methodology allows users to effectively bid on a large number of mutually exclusive items but receive at most one item at the end of the auction. This method has the favorable effects for the users of: (1) increasing the probability of successfully bidding for at least one item; (2) making the auction process more convenient by greatly reducing the need for actively monitoring the auction; and, (3) decreasing the possibility a user will be out bid at the last moment and receive no item. This method has the favorable effects for the seller of increasing the probability their listed items will sell and increasing the expected average sales price.

The invention provides a force feedback man-machine interaction system and method based on the electromagnetic theory and mobile tracking. By the adoption of the force feedback man-machine interactionsystem and method, a manipulator is allowed to use gestures to control a robot and meanwhile can feel force feedback in the operation process. The interaction system includes five parts of a local control calculator, a mobile tracking platform, a gesture recognition sensor, a magnetic force generating device and a magnetic force sensing device. The interaction method is divided into two parts ofcontrol and feedback. The control part uses the non-contact gesture based on a visual interface as control information, while the feedback part uses the non-contact force magnetic force as feedback information to reduce the physical limitation when interacting, meanwhile a mobile tracking function is added, and it is ensured that the magnetic force generating device and the magnetic force sensingdevice can keep relative positions and postures of the magnetic force generating device and the magnetic force sensing device unchanged, so that the problem of too little stress caused by the attenuation of a magnetic field is reduced.

A distributed resonator laser system using retro-reflecting elements, in which spatially separated retroreflecting elements define respectively a power transmitting and a power receiving unit. The retroreflectors have no point of inversion, so that an incident beam is reflected back along a path essentially coincident with that of the incident beam. This enables the distributed laser to operate with the beams in a co-linear mode, instead of the ring mode described in the prior art. This feature allows the simple inclusion of elements having optical power within the distributed cavity, enabling such functions as focusing / defocusing, increasing the field of view of the system, and changing the Rayleigh length of the beam. The optical system can advantageously be constructed as a pupil imaging system, with the advantage that optical components, such as the gain medium or a photo-voltaic converter, can be positioned at such a pupil without physical limitations.

Systems and methods for communicating information within a business organization network using a one or more communication bands on a HF communication network. A computer device may be used to control communication by selecting a frequency band and / or frequency at which communication may take place to optimize latencies to at or near the physical limitation of HF radio wave communication over long distances.

An adaptive guidance system (AGS) regulates the altitude and heading of a parasail to arrive at a target at a prescribed altitude. Since the altitude profile depends both on unknown wing loading, and wind magnitude and direction, the AGS estimates the glide slope and wind on the fly and provides a command to a stability augmentation system (SAS) that results in the desired glide slope and heading by performing a sequence of maneuvers and sensing the response. According to one embodiment, the SAS operates in the linear region and includes a PID controller that uses the difference between the actual heading and heading command to create an actuator output. The actuator output is limited by a position / rate limiter that imposes the physical limitations of the response time of the actuator / servos and position limits to prevent entering the nonlinear region. Alternatively, an adaptive SAS operates in both the linear and nonlinear region and includes a neural network (NN) that receives an error signal (difference between a reference model and actual heading) which is used to adapt the weights of the NN.

A method for modeling task, activity and workload of various human-implemented processes. The models created by this method may be further evaluated so that improvements can be made to the modeled processes. These improvements in modeled processes may include restructuring the human-implemented aspects of the process to take into account the human's cognitive and physical limitations. The model may also be used to identify the information flow aspects of the human cognitive activities allowing the specification and implementation of changes in the information flow or quality to result in improved human workloads.

An antenna comprises a medium substrate and grounding units attached on the medium substrate. The antenna further comprises a metal structure attached on the medium substrate. The metal structure comprises an electromagnetic response unit, a metal open ring enclosing the electromagnetic response unit and a feeding point connected to an end of the metal open ring. The electromagnetic response unit comprises an electric-field coupling structure. This design increases the physical length of the antenna equivalently, so an RF antenna operating at an extremely low frequency can be designed within a very small space. This can eliminate the physical limitation imposed by the spatial area when the conventional antenna operates at a low frequency, and satisfy the requirements of miniaturization, a low operating frequency and broadband multi-mode services for the mobile phone antenna. Meanwhile, a solution of a lower cost is provided for design of the antenna of wireless communication apparatuses.

This invention relates to a disk-type magnetic storing device and a method for manufacturing the same. This invention presents an ion beam treatment by which the magnetic momentum is enhanced and the coercivity can be changed and an easy-axis is set in some area of the magnetic layer. This invention also presents the magnetic storage of which magnetic layer has easy-axis by using ion beam treatment. Therefore, the physical limitation of the conventional magnetic layer is overcome. According to this invention, the recording density can be expanded extremely.

An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness. An embodiment of the device includes a framework, a first and second crank arm, a first and second handle bar, a first and second foot pedal, a motor and pulley assembly, a first and second coupler link, and a motor controller with speed knob.

The invention discloses a realization method for NVMe extension and a solid state disk. The method is characterized by comprising the steps of querying a no-map management table in the SSD according to a logic space of a command after the SSD receives the reading command of a host, judging whether the command is a no-map command or not, and if yes, directly setting a map status bit used for identifying whether no map exists or not in a completion queue entry to be 1, directly ending the command and performing return to the host; otherwise, reading data according to a logic space address of thecommand, and after the reading is finished, setting the map status bit to be 0 and performing return to the host; and after the host receives the completion queue entry, interpreting whether the mapstatus bit is 1 or not, and if yes, directly setting a cache corresponding to the command to be 0 by the host and performing return and application or direct return and application. By optimizing thereading processing process, data transmission between the SSD and the Host is reduced, so that the command response delay and the service time are greatly shortened and the actually measured bandwidthcan effectively break through physical limitation of PCIe.

The present invention relates to a method for generating motion controls for a mobile platform of a vehicle simulator. The method uses, as input, accelerations calculated by a process for simulating the behavior of the vehicle. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of: filtering the accelerations calculated accelerations by use of a filter constructed according to a mathematical model of human perception of a motion; calculating successive positions of the mobile platform as a function of the filtered acceleration controls; scaling the positions of the mobile platform as a function of physical limitations of the mobile platform, to produce scaled successive positions of the mobile platform; and calculating acceleration controls to be applied by the mobile platform, as a function of the scaled successive positions of the mobile platform, to produce calculated acceleration controls.

The improved garment is constructed in a circular and attached manner effectively providing superior functionality, warmth, water repellence, convenience, comfort, ease of use and fashion. Further, particularly for those with physical limitations, the garment provides a higher degree of safety than a piece of clothing that can easily slip out of place or fall to the ground. With the garment hanging around the shoulders or neck, the wearer can position the twisted area and the garment to allow multiple versatile and useful alternatives. The improved garment is unique in shape and composition and provides added functionality, warmth, water repellence, convenience, and comfort for the wearer in a manner far superior to traditional shawls, scarves, sweaters and headwear. The garment can be constructed in such a way that each side of the product is of a varying fabric, color, or other quality thus providing enhanced usefulness, versatility and cost effectiveness.

A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards reducing a channel change time contribution related to security for digital media devices by using key management and a virtual smart card. In one embodiment, Entitlement Control Messages (ECMs) used to provide access to content keys for decrypting of content are provided over the network to the digital media device at an increased frequency over traditional systems. In another embodiment, use of the virtual smart card is directed towards removing physical limitations that may arise due to the use of a physical smart card, separate secure microprocessor, or the like, and associated physical interface, thereby further reducing channel change times contributed to content protection components of the digital media device.

The invention provides a distortionless integrated imaging three-dimension display method adaptive to a complex scene. According to the method, the color image and depth image of a three-dimensional scene are obtained through using the Kinect; interference elimination is performed based on edge information according to the problem of the inconsistency of the boundaries of the color image and the depth image; as for the black hole region of the depth image, a joint trilateral filterer is adopted to fill the black hole region; a value domain filter in the joint trilateral filterer is adaptively processed, so that the artifact effect of the depth image is eliminated; and an optical field mathematical model is utilized to obtain the primitive element image array of the complex scene, so that distortionless three-dimension integrated imaging display is realized. With the distortionless integrated imaging three-dimension display method adaptive to the complex scene of the invention adopted, the physical limitations of a microlens array under the complex scene can be effectively eliminated, and the distortionless integrated imaging three-dimension display of the complex scene can be realized.

An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

State-based communication stations are capable of operating on two or more “states.” Principles of the present invention are used to allow the functionality that a multi-state communication station is equipped to change as a result of the current state of the station. The functionality of modern communication stations remains much less hindered by the physical limitations of the stations' physical construction and design. While the number of buttons in a communication station remains the same, the number of functions that such buttons may execute is multiplied by the number of “states” that exist for the station.

A hook-less fly crafted on a core other than a hook is described for attachment to a line at a material distance from a distal circle hook. One or more fly(s) may be attached to a single line at a point above a single circle hook. The separation on the line of hook from fly requires only the fly to enter the fish's mouth. The hook, when a fish takes the fly, is externally located. Striking the rod in response to the fish taking the fly draws the line through the fish's mouth and engages the distally located circle hook into the outer jaw. Hook set offered by the method is diametrically opposed in direction compared to conventional fishing. The method prevents the hook from piercing internal organs and facilitates hook extraction. The method further overcomes the physical limitations imposed on circle hook use by conventional fishing methods. The method promotes the survival of fish following release. The design, construction and means of attachment for the hook-less fly is further described. A line orientation structure can be provided on the hook-less fly. Various line attachment devices are disclosed for the hook-less fly.