Communication between people with normal hearing and hearing impairment is difficult. Recently, a variety of studies on sign language recognition have presented benefits from the development of information technology. This study presents a sign langu

This paper proposes a cloud-based software architecture for fully automated point-of-care molecular diagnostic devices. The target system operates a cartridge consisting of an extraction body for DNA extraction and a PCR chip for amplification and fluorescence detection. To facilitate control and monitoring via the cloud, a socket server was employed for fundamental molecular diagnostic functions such as DNA extraction, amplification, and fluorescence detection. The user interface for experimental control and monitoring was constructed with the RESTful application programming interface, allowing access from the terminal device, edge, and cloud. Furthermore, it can also be accessed through any web-based user interface on smart computing devices such as smart phones or tablets. An emulator with the proposed software architecture was fabricated to validate successful operation.

The human-powered self-generator provides the best solution for individuals who need an instantaneous power supply for travel, outdoor, and emergency use, since it is less dependent on weather conditions and occupies less space than other renewable power supplies. However, many commercial portable self-generators that employ hand-cranking are not used as much as expected in daily lives although they have enough output capacity due to their intensive workload. This study proposes a portable human-powered generator which is designed to obtain mechanical energy from an upper limb pulling motion for improved human motion economy as well as efficient human-mechanical power transfer. A coreless axial-flux permanent magnet machine (APMM) and a flywheel magnet rotor were used in conjunction with a one-way clutched power transmission system in order to obtain effective power from the pulling motion. The developed prototype showed an average energy conversion efficiency of 30.98% and an average output power of 0.32 W with a maximum of 1.89 W. Its small form factor (50 mm × 32 mm × 43.5 mm, 0.05 kg) and the substantial electricity produced verify the effectiveness of the proposed method in the utilization of human power. It is expected that the developed generator could provide a mobile power supply.

An extremity rehabilitation program was proposed based on inertial measurement units (IMU) and virtual reality. A single IMU consists of a three-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, and geomagnetic sensors. One IMU is attached to the upper arm (master) and another to the forearm (slave). The IMUs are connected using a distributed sensor network implemented with interintegrated circuit communication. The motion-tracking algorithm running on a PC tracks the subject's hand based on the estimated IMU orientation and segment lengths through forward kinematics. The training contents, including various dynamic movements and static holds, were designed to evaluate the spatiotemporal aspects of the subject's functionality. The system was tested on a group of healthy subjects and a group with a simulated stiff elbow, allowing the evaluations to be quantitatively differentiated. The stiff elbow was simulated by taping the elbow to restrict the range of elbow motion. We expect the patients to be able to assess their own status without assistance from a therapist and select appropriate training methods to increase their rehabilitation effectiveness. Future studies will verify the availability and reliability of the upper extremity rehabilitation program for patients with a hemiplegia, leading to the development of an upper extremity rehabilitation program for three-dimensional movements of the upper extremities.