Abstract

A system is described that captures voice samples from a subject and determines a relative energy level of the subject from the captured voice samples. A baseline energy level for the subject is initially determined during a system training session when the subject is in a good state of health and vocalizes words or phrases for analysis by the system. Subsequently, voice samples are taken of the subject, e.g. during a work shift, to monitor the subject's fatigue levels to determine whether the subject is capable of continuing his work assignment safely, or whether the subject and the subject's work product needs to be more closely monitored. In a different application, voice samples of a subject can be taken regularly during telephone conversations, and the corresponding energy level of the subject obtained from the voice samples can be used as a general health indicator.

IPC Classes  ?

• G10L 25/66 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination for extracting parameters related to health condition
• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
• H04L 12/16 - Arrangements for providing special services to substations

Abstract

A portable printer having improved ergonomic and operational characteristics. The printer includes an asymmetrically-damped media centering mechanism having first and second media support members moveable along a common longitudinal axis and configured to grasp roll media. The media support members are coupled to a reciprocal movement mechanism configured to translate a longitudinal movement of the first media support member into a corresponding opposite longitudinal movement of the second media support member. A pivoting arm is coupled to the reciprocal movement mechanism. The pivoting arm pivots to a first position when the first and second media support members are moved closer to each other, which causes a damping gear to engage the reciprocal movement mechanism, thereby damping the grasping motion of the media support members and providing an improved user experience. The printer facilitates one-handed operation, including one-handed loading and unloading of media, enabling its use in a variety of environments.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 15/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in continuous form, e.g. webs
• B41J 11/56 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form specially constructed to facilitate storage or transport of typewriter
• B41J 15/04 - Supporting, feeding, or guiding devices; Mountings for web rolls or spindles