Abstract: A method and system for identifying parts manufactured by a workstation by measuring signals generated by machines in the workstation, extracting features from the signals, clustering the features into clusters, associating clusters with manufactured parts and recognizing the parts through the clusters.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a two-dimensional layer of a three-dimensional object during three-dimensional printing of the object. The apparatus may include a controller; a transparent substrate for receiving a deposited layer of liquid materials on an upper surface thereof; a selective deposition unit that deposits at least one liquid body material and a liquid support material different from the at least one liquid body material, on the transparent substrate according to signals received from the controller; and a selective curing unit that selectively solidifies, by curing irradiation, a portion of the deposited layer of liquid body materials on the transparent substrate according to signals received from the controller, such that some of the liquid body material remains uncured.

Abstract: To authorize a transaction between a host and a server, a token is operationally connected to the host. The host receives an identification credential of a user. The identification credential is verified by the token and/or by the server. If the token detects a prescribed human action, the token generates token authentication data and the host sends the token authentication data to the server. Upon receiving the authentication data, the server authenticates the transaction. A device for authenticating a transaction includes a device interface for interacting with a host, a connector for reversibly operationally connecting the device to the host, and a controller that authenticates the transaction only once, contingent on detecting a prescribed anonymous human action. One such human action is providing one or more inputs at the host's user interface synchronously with outputs at the device's user interface.

Abstract: A user moves a handheld inspection device toward a skin region that includes a target skin lesion. A current image of the skin region or part thereof that includes the target skin lesion as currently taken by the handheld inspection device is displayed on a screen, with the target skin lesion marked. When reaching a close distance from the target skin lesion, a close-up inspection is performed. If the target skin lesion is missing in the current image, the close-up inspection process is interrupted, and the user is instructed to move the handheld inspection device to a remote distance from the skin region for restarting the inspection process.

Abstract: A user moves a handheld inspection device toward a skin region that includes a target skin lesion. A current image of the skin region or part thereof that includes the target skin lesion as currently taken by the handheld inspection device is displayed on a screen, with the target skin lesion marked. When reaching a close distance from the target skin lesion, a close-up inspection is performed. If the target skin lesion is missing in the current image, the close-up inspection process is interrupted, and the user is instructed to move the handheld inspection device to a remote distance from the skin region for restarting the inspection process.

Abstract: A controller for connecting to and controlling active units of smart devices according to a spreadsheet received from a programming device and stored in the controller's memory and current states received from other smart devices. The controller may operate to provide to programming devices the spreadsheet stored in the memory for restoring a cluster of smart devices. The controller may include a real-time clock and interpret spreadsheet formulas that include time parameters.

Abstract: A controller for connecting to and controlling active units of smart devices according to a spreadsheet received from a programming device and stored in the controller's memory and current states received from other smart devices. The controller may operate to provide to programming devices the spreadsheet stored in the memory for restoring a cluster of smart devices. The controller may include a real-time clock and interpret spreadsheet formulas that include time parameters.

Abstract: In a cluster of smart devices, an active device is selectably operable in either a hub-based mode under commands received from a control hub, or in a hub-less mode, where the active device autonomously decides how to respond to current states reported by other smart devices of the cluster. Optionally, an active device operating in hub-based mode automatically switches to hub-less mode upon failing to communicate with the control hub or upon detecting malfunction of the control hub.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, smart devices of a cluster cooperate by each active device autonomously deciding by itself and for itself how to respond to state changes reported by other smart devices of the cluster, which reduces the cost and improves the reliability and interoperability of clusters. According to a second advantageous aspect, manageability by users is improved by using a spreadsheet for programming the autonomous cooperation among smart devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a two-dimensional layer of a three-dimensional object during three-dimensional printing of the object. The apparatus may include a controller; a transparent substrate for receiving a deposited layer of liquid materials on an upper surface thereof; a selective deposition unit that deposits at least one liquid body material and a liquid support material different from the at least one liquid body material, on the transparent substrate according to signals received from the controller; and a selective curing unit that selectively solidifies, by curing irradiation, a portion of the deposited layer of liquid body materials on the transparent substrate according to signals received from the controller, such that some of the liquid body material remains uncured.

Abstract: A method for preparing a three-dimensional object, in layers is described. The method may include forming a layer on a transparent substrate by selectively depositing liquid material on a transparent substrate based on image data of a cross section of the layer, the image data including at least a body region, wherein the material extends on the transparent tray outside a contour defining the body region; contacting the layer to a previously solidified layer attached to an elevated fabrication platform; and selectively curing the liquid material by irradiating the layer with curing radiation through the transparent substrate according to high-resolution image data of the cross section such that the material that extends outside the contour remains uncured.

Abstract: In a cluster of smart devices, an active device is selectably operable in either a hub-based mode under commands received from a control hub, or in a hub-less mode, where the active device autonomously decides how to respond to current states reported by other smart devices of the cluster. Optionally, an active device operating in hub-based mode automatically switches to hub-less mode upon failing to communicate with the control hub or upon detecting malfunction of the control hub.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, smart devices of a cluster cooperate by each active device autonomously deciding by itself and for itself how to respond to state changes reported by other smart devices of the cluster, which reduces the cost and improves the reliability and interoperability of clusters. According to a second advantageous aspect, manageability by users is improved by using a spreadsheet for programming the autonomous cooperation among smart devices.

Abstract: Cooperation among functional units of a cluster of smart devices is programmed by a user using a spreadsheet. The user authors spreadsheet formulas to calculate target states of active units of the cluster according to the contents of spreadsheet cells that include current states of functional units of the cluster. Programming messages based on the spreadsheet formulas are received by the smart devices of the cluster and program those smart devices for autonomous operation. Processors of the smart devices then receive updated current states of functional units of the cluster, calculate the target states of the active units according to the received updated current states, and control the active units toward reaching their calculated target states.

Abstract: A user moves a handheld inspection device toward a skin region that includes a target skin lesion. A current image of the skin region or part thereof that includes the target skin lesion as currently taken by the handheld inspection device is displayed on a screen, with the target skin lesion marked. When reaching a close distance from the target skin lesion, a close-up inspection is performed. If the target skin lesion is missing in the current image, the close-up inspection process is interrupted, and the user is instructed to move the handheld inspection device to a remote distance from the skin region for restarting the inspection process.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspection within cavities includes a thimble having a camera and a receptacle for engaging with a distal end of a selected finger of a user, so that the camera can be positioned and oriented by the user within the cavity. The apparatus is useful, for example, for throat examination of babies or children.

Abstract: A system and method for keeping restricted objects within a confined area that forms part of an institutional site. The confined area having lockable exits, a safe area where the restricted objects are designated to stay, a buffer area adjacent to the first area, and a lock area situated between the buffer area and the lockable exits. The system detects whether the restricted object is in the buffer area or in the lock area and checks whether the restricted object is authorized to leave the safe area. Upon recognizing that the restricted object is in the buffer area and is not authorized to leave the safe area, the system sends a message to a tag of a staff member, instructing to move the restricted object back to the safe area; upon recognizing that the restricted object is in the lock area and is not authorized to leave the safe area, the system sends a locking signal to lockable exits.

Abstract: A system and method for keeping restricted objects within a confined area that forms part of an institutional site. The confined area having lockable exits, a safe area where the restricted objects are designated to stay, a buffer area adjacent to the first area, and a lock area situated between the buffer area and the lockable exits. The system detects whether the restricted object is in the buffer area or in the lock area and checks whether the restricted object is authorized to leave the safe area. Upon recognizing that the restricted object is in the buffer area and is not authorized to leave the safe area, the system sends a message to a tag of a staff member, instructing to move the restricted object back to the safe area; upon recognizing that the restricted object is in the lock area and is not authorized to leave the safe area, the system sends a locking signal to lockable exits.

Abstract: A wind-by-wind printer of three-dimensional envelopes is disclosed. A partial envelope is rotated by a turntable, a printhead is positioned proximate to a pervious fiber wind according to a three-dimensional model of the complete envelope, and unmelted fiber is dispensed and joined to the pervious wind. Several source fibers may be merged into a single build fiber toward printing. The source fiber may be modified toward printing, for example by shaping, painting or heating without melting. Several printing units may concurrently operate for adding several fiber winds to the envelope during a single revolution of the turntable.

Abstract: A method for preparing a three-dimensional object, in layers is described. The method may include forming a layer on a transparent substrate by selectively depositing liquid material on a transparent substrate based on image data of a cross section of the layer, the image data including at least a body region, wherein the material extends on the transparent tray outside a contour defining the body region; contacting the layer to a previously solidified layer attached to an elevated fabrication platform; and selectively curing the liquid material by irradiating the layer with curing radiation through the transparent substrate according to high-resolution image data of the cross section such that the material that extends outside the contour remains uncured.