US6832178B1
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Method and apparatus for multi-sensor processing
Assignee: Fernandez and Associates LLP
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Filing: 2001-09-07
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Granted: 2004-12-14
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Expires: 2021-09-07
Abstract
Abstract A multi-sensor system for the real-time embedded monitoring of an object senses mixed-mode object conditions. Various sensors separately provide disparate analog signals representing different measurable attributes regarding the sensed object. For example, such sensors may separately sense temperature, pressure, or other biometric value. Then, according to a specified rule set or other qualifying parameters, a digital signal is generated by a processor or controller to indicate one or more condition of the sensed object according to certain sensor input values. Additionally, such multi-sensor scheme may be coupled to a digital network or otherwise coupled thereto for simulation and/or communication applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis S. Fernandez
- 👤 Irene Y. Hu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 12:29
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B23/00; G05B23/02; G05B23/0205; G05B23/0218; G05B23/0224; G05B23/0227
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
237 words
In a network comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes, a multi-user simulation method comprising the steps of: accessing by a first user and a second user a simulator on a first node in a network; sensing a first signal having a first mode from a second node in the network; sensing a second signal having a second mode from the second node; sensing a third signal having a third mode from a third node in the network; sensing a fourth signal having a fourth mode from the third node; and executing the simulator according to the first, second, third and fourth signals to generate a simulation output, the simulator using a programmable software model that is network-accessible for multi-sensor and multi-user application, whereby subscriber usage of the software model may be monitored for multi-user licensing transaction, the simulation output being provided to each user of the simulator, the first user being bodily coupled to the second node, and the second user being bodily coupled to the third node, to enable real-time interaction remotely between each user and the simulator through a plurality of sensors that receive physical feedback from the first or second user, wherein the simulator functionally overlays with a video-conferencing application thereby enabling a plurality of users of the simulator to communicate effectively in real-time by exchanging video images of each other, wherein the simulator is accessible effectively when an authorized genetic sequence is identified.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
237 words
In a network comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes, a multi-user simulation method comprising the steps of: accessing by a first user and a second user a simulator on a first node in a network; sensing a first signal having a first mode from a second node in the network; sensing a second signal having a second mode from the second node; sensing a third signal having a third mode from a third node in the network; sensing a fourth signal having a fourth mode from the third node; and executing the simulator according to the first, second, third and fourth signals to generate a simulation output, the simulator using a programmable software model that is network-accessible for multi-sensor and multi-user application, whereby subscriber usage of the software model may be monitored for multi-user licensing transaction, the simulation output being provided to each user of the simulator, the first user being bodily coupled to the second node, and the second user being bodily coupled to the third node, to enable real-time interaction remotely between each user and the simulator through a plurality of sensors that receive physical feedback from the first or second user, wherein the simulator functionally overlays with a video-conferencing application thereby enabling a plurality of users of the simulator to communicate effectively in real-time by exchanging video images of each other, wherein the simulator is accessible effectively when an authorized genetic sequence is identified.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The simulation method of claim 1 wherein: the simulation output comprises an audio or video signal for enabling video-conferencing communication effectively between the users.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The simulation method of claim 1 wherein: the simulation output causes a dispenser associated with the second node to activate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The simulation method of claim 1 wherein: the first signal comprises a biometric, physiological, genetic, or cellular condition measured for the first user associated with the second node.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The simulation method of claim 1 wherein: the first and second modes separately represent substantially different physical measurable conditions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The simulation method of claim 1 wherein: the simulation execution is modified in response to the first and second signals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The simulation method of claim 1 wherein: the first signal is sensed through a network interface coupled thereto effectively to the first signal during a selected time segment or within a qualified sensor group according to a programmable instruction set which is executable by the interface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The simulation method of claim 1 wherein: the first signal is provided by a silicon-based microstructure having a cavity for sensing a cell condition.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The simulation method of claim 1 wherein: the network access is provided securely according to a user authorization or subscription.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: the first and the second signals are generated by a biometric sensor chip for enabling biological contact to monitor neuro-electronically a cell metabolism.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: the simulation output causes a mechanical actuator physically to vibrate and dispense a liquid.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
212 words
Network-accessible device for therapeutic exercise comprising: a processor; and an interface; wherein the processor through the interface accesses a simulator from a first node in a network, a first signal having a first mode from a second node in the network and a second signal having a second mode from the second node being sensed, the processor causing the simulator to be executed according to the first and second signals to generate a simulation output, the simulator using a programmable software model that is network-accessible for multi-sensor application, whereby subscriber usage of the software model may be monitored for licensing transaction, the simulation output being provided to the subscriber, such subscriber being bodily coupled to the second node to enable real-time interaction remotely between the subscriber and the simulator through a plurality of sensors that receive physical feedback from the subscriber, the simulator modifying the output adaptively in response to such feedback to indicate to the subscriber that a sensed voluntary act of the subscriber comprises an exercise violation, wherein the simulator functionally overlays with a video-conferencing application thereby enabling one or more subscriber of the simulator to communicate effectively in real-time by exchanging video images with another subscriber, wherein the simulator is accessible effectively when an authorized genetic sequence is identified.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
212 words
Network-accessible device for therapeutic exercise comprising: a processor; and an interface; wherein the processor through the interface accesses a simulator from a first node in a network, a first signal having a first mode from a second node in the network and a second signal having a second mode from the second node being sensed, the processor causing the simulator to be executed according to the first and second signals to generate a simulation output, the simulator using a programmable software model that is network-accessible for multi-sensor application, whereby subscriber usage of the software model may be monitored for licensing transaction, the simulation output being provided to the subscriber, such subscriber being bodily coupled to the second node to enable real-time interaction remotely between the subscriber and the simulator through a plurality of sensors that receive physical feedback from the subscriber, the simulator modifying the output adaptively in response to such feedback to indicate to the subscriber that a sensed voluntary act of the subscriber comprises an exercise violation, wherein the simulator functionally overlays with a video-conferencing application thereby enabling one or more subscriber of the simulator to communicate effectively in real-time by exchanging video images with another subscriber, wherein the simulator is accessible effectively when an authorized genetic sequence is identified.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 12 further comprising: a biometric sensor chip for enabling biological contact to monitor neuro-electronically a cell metabolism, the sensor chip generating the first and second signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 12 further comprising: a mechanical actuator that physically vibrates and dispenses a liquid in response to the simulation output.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
158 words
Simulation data-structure for fantasy gaming comprising: a first software representation for modeling a first sensor signal; a second software representation for modeling a second sensor signal; and a third software representation for modeling a simulation output, whereby subscriber usage of the first, second, and third software representations may be monitored for licensing transaction, the simulation output being provided to the subscriber, such subscriber being bodily coupled to a plurality of sensors to enable real-time interaction remotely between the subscriber and a simulator through the sensors that receive physical feedback from the subscriber, the simulation output enabling a fantasy or game application to be provided electronically to the subscriber selectively according to an on-line subscriber transaction, wherein the simulator functionally overlays with a video-conferencing application thereby enabling one or more subscriber of the simulator to communicate effectively in real-time by exchanging video images with another subscriber, wherein the simulator is accessible effectively when an authorized genetic sequence is identified.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
158 words
Simulation data-structure for fantasy gaming comprising: a first software representation for modeling a first sensor signal; a second software representation for modeling a second sensor signal; and a third software representation for modeling a simulation output, whereby subscriber usage of the first, second, and third software representations may be monitored for licensing transaction, the simulation output being provided to the subscriber, such subscriber being bodily coupled to a plurality of sensors to enable real-time interaction remotely between the subscriber and a simulator through the sensors that receive physical feedback from the subscriber, the simulation output enabling a fantasy or game application to be provided electronically to the subscriber selectively according to an on-line subscriber transaction, wherein the simulator functionally overlays with a video-conferencing application thereby enabling one or more subscriber of the simulator to communicate effectively in real-time by exchanging video images with another subscriber, wherein the simulator is accessible effectively when an authorized genetic sequence is identified.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
The data-structure of claim 15 wherein: the first and second signals are generated by a biometric sensor chip for enabling biological contact to monitor neuro-electronically a cell metabolism.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The data-structure of clam 15 wherein: the simulation output causes a mechanical actuator physically to vibrate and dispense a liquid.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The data-structure of clam 15 wherein: the simulation output causes a mechanical actuator physically to vibrate and dispense a liquid.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The simulation method of claim 1 wherein: at least one sensor is accessible adaptively or hierarchically using a self-navigating interconnection.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 12 wherein: at least one sensor is accessible adaptively or hierarchically using a self-navigating interconnection.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The data-structure of claim 15 wherein: at least one sensor is accessible adaptively or hierarchically using a self-navigating interconnection.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-12-14 | 2008-06-14 | 2008-12-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-12-14 | 2012-06-14 | 2012-12-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-12-14 | 2016-06-14 | 2016-12-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |