Abstract:
A method and system are disclosed for assessing the capability of a first person to operate a machine, such as an aircraft or other transport vehicle. The method includes the steps of: (a) Sensing the value of at least one, and preferably two or more information parameters for assessing the fitness of the person operating the machine. The parameters include one or a combination of electroencephalogram information, electrocardiogram information, heart rate information, respiratory rate information, eye motion information, eyelid position information, eyelid motion information, expired gas mixture information, blood oxygen content information, blood oxygen saturation information and blood pressure information for the person operating the machine, and/or information about operation of the machine as well as information about actions taken by the person operating the machine. (b) Determining whether at least one value of one information parameter is/are not within the range of values deemed to be acceptable for a capable person. (c) Indicating when the at least one information parameter is/are not within the range of acceptable values, thereby indicating the person's decreased fitness and ability to operate the machine.
Abstract:
Methods of identifying a person attempting to access a computer file, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered human individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing local images of an individual and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals whose identifying information is stored in the database. The identifying information stored in the database includes at least one image of a unique, visually observable biologic identifier of a body portion of each registered individual. The accuracy of user identification is enhanced by allowing the sender of information to supply visual content which modulates the appearance of a biologic identifier of the user. Utilization of the system for the document of critical encounters such as medical events is provided.
Abstract:
Apparatus for identifying a person who wishes to receive information, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing images of an individual requesting information, and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals. The stored identifying information includes images of a unique, observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual. The specificity of the identification process is enhanced by storing registered examples of altered biological information in the database, by allowing the information provider to induce an alteration in a biologic identifier of a requesting person at the time of the request, and by comparing the altered requesting person information to stored information. Further identification enhancement is obtained by rapidly altering the visual environment of the requesting person, and by providing the requested information to the retina of the requesting person.
Abstract:
Methods for managing a hazardous fluid within a pipeline and within a storage facility, and in particular for managing a potential or actual leak of the hazardous fluid. Such methods include the detection of such an event by one or more sensors, and the containment and the mitigation of the event.
Abstract:
Apparatus for identifying a person who wishes to receive information, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing images of an individual requesting information, and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals. The stored identifying information includes images of a unique, observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual. The specificity of the identification process is enhanced by storing registered examples of altered biological information in the database, by allowing the information provider to induce an alteration in a biologic identifier of a requesting person at the time of the request, and by comparing the altered requesting person information to stored information. Further identification enhancement is obtained by rapidly altering the visual environment of the requesting person, and by providing the requested information to the retina of the requesting person.
Abstract:
A method for policing and managing the operation of a flying, unmanned aircraft in the event of usurpation of control of, malfunction of, or ill-intentioned use of, this aircraft includes the steps of (a) detecting inappropriate operation of the aircraft; (b) transmitting a takeover command to the aircraft to interrupt control of the operation of this aircraft by a first pilot and relinquish control of the aircraft to a second pilot; and (c) transmitting control commands to the aircraft to control its operation by the second pilot, until the need for alternate pilot control of the aircraft has ended or until the aircraft has landed safely.
Abstract:
A method for policing and managing the operation of a flying, unmanned aircraft in the event of usurpation of control of, malfunction of, or ill-intentioned use of, this aircraft includes the steps of (a) detecting inappropriate operation of the aircraft; (b) transmitting a takeover command to the aircraft to interrupt control of the operation of this aircraft by a first pilot and relinquish control of the aircraft to a second pilot; and (c) transmitting control commands to the aircraft to control its operation by the second pilot, until the need for alternate pilot control of the aircraft has ended or until the aircraft has landed safely.
Abstract:
A battery-powered trigger-locking device, which is configured to be disposed on a gun with a trigger for firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the memory. If a data match is indicated, the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a trigger-locking member to an unlocked position, permitting the gun to be fired. A separate electronic gun key is provided to transmit gun unlock data to the data receiver of the trigger-locking device. This gun unlock data may be a password, a long pseudo-random number or biologic data identifying the gun owner or some other person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to fire the gun.
Abstract:
Semi-autonomous vehicle apparatus which is controlled by a plurality of control sources includes a vehicle which may function autonomously and apparatus for control of the vehicle by either an onboard driver or a driver not situated onboard. The vehicle may also be controlled by an off-vehicle computational device. Hierarchy setting apparatus determines which of the possible control entities take priority. Persons using the apparatus are identified by either a password or, preferably by providing identification based on a biologic feature. Management of impaired vehicle operators is provided for.
Abstract:
An electronic medical monitoring and treatment apparatus allows a victim of a medical emergency person access to a medical professional (MP) who can monitor, diagnose and treat the person from a remote site. The apparatus includes a cardiac medical monitoring and treatment device (MMTD) coupled to an electronic adapter designed to communicate with a local, first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device which, in turn, is adapted to electronically communicate with a remote, second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device used by the MP. The MMTD may comprise a cardiac treatment circuit for effecting cardiac pacing and/or defibrillation and a cardiac signal circuit for receiving cardiac signals. The cardiac signals are (1) transmitted from the signal circuit to the second T/R device for evaluation by the MP, (2) the MP may transmit a control signal to the treatment circuit, and (3), in response thereto, the treatment circuit may generate one or more electrical pulses for treatment of the person.