Methods, systems, and techniques for controlling actuators by using eye gaze technology such as in a wheelchair or bed, are provided. Example embodiments provide an Eye Gaze Actuator Control System (EGACS) which enables people with advanced motor neuron diseases or disabilities like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or muscular dystrophy to use eye gaze technologies to control their actuators that control seating, bed positioning, and movement of motor-controlled devices. In one embodiment, the example EGACS comprises a display device, eye gaze sensor, eye gaze control application, and device interface(s) to one or more other devices that control aspects of a powered wheelchair, bed, vehicle, or other device. These components cooperate to control the powered wheelchair, bed, or vehicle using eye gaze technology as opposed to by manual control.

An arrangement is disclosed having an electromotive furniture drive with a control device, a power supply device, and at least one operating device; a piece of furniture into which the electromotive furniture drive is installed; and a data device, the electromotive furniture drive and the data device are in communicative connection with each other. The communication connection between the electromotive furniture drive and the data device has a first transmission path, which is provided for transmitting an identification code of the electromotive furniture drive, and a second transmission path, which is provided for transmitting control data and/or operating data of the electromotive furniture drive. There is further disclosed a method for establishing a communication connection between an electromotive furniture drive and the data device.

A bed adjustment apparatus and method includes a linear actuator attached to a bed to move a portion of a mattress. A control box activates the linear actuator based on commands and sequences received from a remote control. The control box optionally includes a PLC to store the commands and sequences. The remote control optionally communicates wirelessly with the control box. The remote control allows a user to select and send the control box commands and sequences to control the linear actuator. The sequences are pre-installed, user programmed, received from another remote, or downloaded as desired. The apparatus allows a user to alleviate pressure points during sleep without requiring the user to adjust their sleeping position by adjusting the mattress based on a selected sequence.

A communication system for exchanging data between an actuator system and an external device, e.g. an operation where the communication system in the form of a gateway and a codex interprets the information in the bidirectional data stream and communicates the information on both sides. The communication system is furthermore provided with an RFID circuit integrated in a handset. The RFIC circuit can communicate information about the gateway's unique identification, also known as an MAC-address. This achieves easy connection of an external device to the actuator system without having to enter data manually.

This disclosure concerns a wireless communication system adapted to produce a closed-loop feedback scheme between a handheld remote control and an adjustable bed controller. The adjustable bed controller is adapted to, in response to a receipt of a motion command from the handheld remote control via the closed-loop feedback scheme, adjust, with feedback, a portion of an adjustable bed. The feedback is based on a comparison of sensor feedback and a predetermined position stored in a memory of the adjustable bed controller. The handheld remote control can receive, through the closed-loop feedback scheme, a returned confirmation reflecting the state of the position of the bed segment in response to the control signal.

A communication system for exchanging data between an actuator system and an external device, e.g. an operation where the communication system under the form of a gateway and a transcoder interprets the information in a bidirectional stream of data and distributes the information to both ends. The communication system is furthermore provided with a logger function, where the signals that are sent out to both sides of the gateway, are stored in a memory, so that the actions and signals that lead to an alteration on the actuator can later be reconstructed.

A patient support apparatus includes a visual indicator in connection with a portion of the patient support apparatus. The visual indicator is configured to output a first indication and a second indication. The support apparatus also includes a communication circuit configured to communicate via a wireless communication interface and a controller configured to communicate with a service unit via the wireless communication interface. The controller is configured to activate the first indication in response to the service unit detected within a detection range, and in response to enabling a remote access to the service unit, the controller is configured to activate the second indicator. The activation of the second indicator identifies the controller of the patient support apparatus in communication with the service unit via the wireless communication interface.

Methods, systems, and techniques for controlling actuators by using eye gaze technology such as in a wheelchair or bed, are provided. Example embodiments provide an Eye Gaze Actuator Control System (EGACS) which enables people with advanced motor neuron diseases or disabilities like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or muscular dystrophy to use eye gaze technologies to control their actuators that control seating, bed positioning, and movement of motor-controlled devices. In one embodiment, the example EGACS comprises a display device, eye gaze sensor, eye gaze control application, and device interface(s) to one or more other devices that control aspects of a powered wheelchair, bed, vehicle, or other device. These components cooperate to control the powered wheelchair, bed, or vehicle using eye gaze technology as opposed to by manual control.

The present invention describes a voice control system to hands-off control lighting in a medical facility comprising an audio transducer in electrical communication with a control unit, the control unit configured with voice recognition software and programmable logic circuitry to generate executable commands, a lighting device configured to receive, decode, and execute commands received from the control unit, the lighting device in mechanical communication with a support structure and attached thereto by an articulated arm, the articulated arm configured to receive, decode, and execute commands received from the control unit.

A bed adjustment apparatus and method includes a linear actuator attached to a bed to move a portion of a mattress. A control box activates the linear actuator based on commands and sequences received from a remote control. The control box optionally includes a PLC to store the commands and sequences. The remote control optionally communicates wirelessly with the control box. The remote control allows a user to select and send the control box commands and sequences to control the linear actuator. The sequences are pre-installed, user programmed, received from another remote, or downloaded as desired. The apparatus allows a user to alleviate pressure points during sleep without requiring the user to adjust their sleeping position by adjusting the mattress based on a selected sequence.