Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate systems and methods for assessing structural complexity within an intra-surgical environment. For example, in some embodiments, surface characteristics from three-dimensional models of a patient interior, such as a colon, bronchial tube, esophagus, etc. may be used to infer the surface's level of complexity. Once determined, complexity may inform a number of downstream operations, such as assisting surgical operators to identify complex regions requiring more thorough review, the automated recognition of healthy or unhealthy tissue states, etc. While some embodiments apply to generally cylindrical internal structures, such as a colon or branching pulmonary pathways, etc., other embodiments may be used within other structures, such as inflated laparoscopic regions between organs, joints, etc. Various embodiments also consider graphical and feedback indicia for representing the complexity assessments.

Abstract: Embodiments for methods, apparatus and systems for operating a voltage regulator are disclosed. One embodiment of the voltage regulator generates a switching voltage through controlled closing and opening of a series switch element and a shunt switch element. The voltage regulator further includes a switched output filter that includes a plurality of capacitors for filtering the switching voltage and generating an output voltage. A mode controller is operative to disconnect at least one of the plurality of capacitors upon receiving a first indicator, where disconnecting causes the at least one of the plurality of capacitors to electrically float, wherein while the at least one capacitor is disconnected the output voltage is changed from a first value to a second value, return the output voltage to a first value or a third value upon receiving a second indicator, and reconnect the at least one of the plurality of capacitors.

Abstract: Embodiments for at methods, apparatus and systems for operating a voltage regulator are disclosed. One apparatus includes a switching voltage regulator, wherein the switching voltage regulator includes a series switch element, a shunt switch element, a switching controller and a switched output filter. The switching controller is configured to generate a switching voltage through controlled closing and opening of the series switch element and the shunt switch element. The switched output filter filters the switching voltage and generates a regulated output voltage, wherein the switched output filter includes a plurality of capacitors that are selectively included within the switched output filter.

Abstract: Embodiments for at methods, apparatus and systems for operating a voltage regulator are disclosed. One method includes generating, by a switching controller, a switching voltage through controlled closing and opening of a series switch element and a shunt switch element. Further, the method includes generating, by a switchable output filter, a regulated output voltage by filtering the switching voltage, wherein the switchable output filter comprises a plurality of capacitors that are selectively included within the switchable output filter.

Abstract: Embodiments for at methods, apparatus and systems for operating a voltage regulator are disclosed. One apparatus includes a switching voltage regulator, wherein the switching voltage regulator includes a series switch element, a shunt switch element, a switching controller and a switched output filter. The switching controller is configured to generate a switching voltage through controlled closing and opening of the series switch element and the shunt switch element. The switched output filter filters the switching voltage and generates a regulated output voltage, wherein the switched output filter includes a plurality of capacitors that are selectively included within the switched output filter.

Abstract: Embodiments for methods, apparatus and systems for operating a voltage regulator are disclosed. One embodiment of the voltage regulator generates a switching voltage through controlled closing and opening of a series switch element and a shunt switch element. The voltage regulator further includes a switched output filter that includes a plurality of capacitors for filtering the switching voltage and generating an output voltage. A mode controller is operative to disconnect at least one of the plurality of capacitors upon receiving a first indicator, where disconnecting causes the at least one of the plurality of capacitors to electrically float, wherein while the at least one capacitor is disconnected the output voltage is changed from a first value to a second value, return the output voltage to a first value or a third value upon receiving a second indicator, and reconnect the at least one of the plurality of capacitors.

Abstract: Embodiments for at methods, apparatus and systems for operating a voltage regulator are disclosed. One method includes generating, by a switching controller, a switching voltage through controlled closing and opening of a series switch element and a shunt switch element. Further, the method includes generating, by a switchable output filter, a regulated output voltage by filtering the switching voltage, wherein the switchable output filter comprises a plurality of capacitors that are selectively included within the switchable output filter.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes a plurality of RFID tags addressable by a tag reader, with each tag comprising a RF antenna, an integrated circuit including a memory for identification data and coupled to the antenna, the integrated circuit being configured to have a first antenna load impedance when accessed by the tag reader and a second higher load impedance after access by tag reader whereby the tag switches to a low scattering state for a finite period of time to reduce scattering of signals from the tag reader.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to control an range of successful interrogation by an RFID reader so that tags located in a specific physical area are likely to be successfully interrogated by the reader while the chance of the reader reading tags in other locations are minimized. In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of delineation RFID tags with known unique identifying numbers are placed in an areas of interest or wanted region, and the reader is characterized to determine an optimal setting for at least one transmission parameter based on responses from the delineation RFID tags and a predetermined figure of merit.