Abstract: A system and method for automated design verification. A test bench stimulates a simulated design with test vectors. A coverage analysis tool monitors output data from the simulated design and identifies portions of the simulated design that remain to be tested. A test generator produces and sends test vectors to the test bench which exercise (i.e., test) the portions of the simulated design that the coverage analysis tool has indicated still remain untested. In the method, a first step executes a simulated design on a test bench. A second step interprets the simulated design as if this design were a state diagram composed of a set of basic blocks interconnected by transition arcs. A third step generates test vectors to exercise some of the basic blocks and transition arcs. A fourth step reports the basic blocks and transition arcs which have not been tested. A fifth step generates a new set of test vectors to exercise the as yet untested basic blocks and transition arcs.

Abstract: A novel approach to measuring the overall and layer-by-layer thickness of in vivo skin tissue based on near infrared absorbance spectra is described. The different biological and chemical compounds present in the various layers of a tissue sample have differing absorbance spectra and scattering properties that enable them to be discerned and quantified, thus allowing an estimate of the thickness of the tissue being sampled. The method of the invention also yields the chemical composition of the absorbing and/or scattering species of each layer. Additionally, a method of path length normalization for the purpose of noninvasive analyte prediction on the basis of skin thickness and layer constituents is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasively quantifying the hydration of the stratum corneum of a living subject utilizes in vivo spectral measurements made by irradiating skin tissue with near infrared (NIR) light. The apparatus includes a spectroscopic instrument in conjunction with a subject interface. The resulting NIR absorption spectra are passed to an analyzer for further processing, which includes detecting and eliminating invalid spectral measurements, and preprocessing to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, a calibration model developed from an exemplary set of measurements is applied to predict the SC hydration for the sample. The method of SC hydration measurement provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability, namely, the water content of the epidermal layer of skin and the penetration depth of the incident light.

Abstract: Client side program code examines electronic documents such as web pages and automatically fills out fields of forms contained in the document with the appropriate data from a user profile, without requiring prior mapping or examination of the form. The application maps user data to the appropriate form field by examining label text on the form as the user sees it, i.e. text that is visually nearest the field. For fields lacking labels, the application examines the field context to determine the required data. To enter the information in the correct format, the application parses visual hints concerning, for example, the date format provided to the user and formats the data accordingly. In the absence of any usable visual cues or contextual information, the program code parses the form's underlying markup code.

Abstract: An electronic, voice-controlled musical instrument called the Vocolo, in which the player hums into the mouthpiece, and the device imitates the sound of a musical instrument whose pitch and volume change in response to the player's voice is disclosed. The player is given the impression of playing the actual instrument and controlling it intimately with the fine nuances of his voice. The invention comprises techniques for pitch quantization that provide esthetically pleasing note transitions, mechanisms for song recording that are suited for rhythmic repeated playback and performance evaluation of the player's pitch control, techniques related to expressive control and pitch detection, and techniques for mitigating the effect of pitch detection errors. Embodiments are disclosed for providing finger/hand interaction for expressive control, a microphone enclosure that mitigates audio feedback, and for providing rhythmic feedback to the player through mechanical vibrations induced in the device.

Abstract: A non-invasive system for characterizing and classifying the state and structure of a tissue sample operates on a near infrared absorbance spectrum of in vivo tissue. A method that uses near-infrared spectral measurements to characterize and classify the state and structure of tissue sampled based on absorbance features related to fat in adipose tissue is provided. Also provided is a method of estimating skin fold thickness. The approach provides information about sources of tissue variability and is therefore useful for establishing the general category of the tissue structure. Categorization of subjects on the basis of the determination is suitable for further spectral analysis and the measurement of biological and chemical compounds, such as blood analytes. The invention further provides a method of estimating percent body fat based on a skin fold thickness estimate.

Abstract: An apparatus for varying localized absorption and scattering coefficients at a tissue measurement site in a controlled and reproducible manner during optical sampling of a tissue volume by controlling the pressure applied to a tissue measurement site by a spectroscopic analyzer allows applied pressure to be maintained at a constant level, or the applied pressure may be varied in a controlled, reproducible manner as a function of time. A rest for receiving a body part holds the body part in a fixed position and at a fixed elevation. A mechanical system advances a fiber optic probe until it makes contact with the body part with a constant amount of pressure. The applied force is supplied by a counterweight on a single arm balance. A temperature control allows the temperature of the fiber optic probe to be equilibrated with the temperature in the immediate vicinity of the tissue measurement site.

Abstract: Noninvasive instrumentation and procedures have been developed for estimating the apparent age of human and animal subjects based on the irradiation of skin tissue with near-infrared light. The method of age estimation provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability due to chronological factors and environmental exposure. Therefore, categorization of subjects on the basis of the estimated apparent age is suitable for further spectral analysis and the measurement of biological and chemical compounds, such as blood analytes. Furthermore, age determination of subjects has particular benefit in assessment of therapies used to reduce the effects of ageing in tissue and measurement of tissue damage.

Abstract: Instrumentation and procedures for noninvasively determining the sex of human and animal subjects in vivo have been developed based on the irradiation of skin tissue with near infrared light. The method of sex determination provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability, namely, the thickness of the dermis and the subcutaneous fat. Categorization of subjects on the basis of the determination is therefore suitable for further spectral analysis and the measurement of biological and chemical compounds, such as blood analytes.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a non-invasive blood glucose measurement instrument to a diabetic test subject employs targeted glycemic profiles in anti-correlated pairs. During calibration, reference blood glucose determinations are made using conventional invasive sampling methods. Concurrently, noninvasive spectral measurements are made using the noninvasive glucose monitor. Through controlled oral ingestion by the subject of calculated amounts of carbohydrate, the subject's blood glucose level is manipulated to mimic the patterns of the targeted profiles. During a first visit, a first profile of a pair is induced; during a second visit the inverse of the first profile is induced. The targeted profiles produce reference blood glucose values in which correlation to sampling factors is reduced or eliminated, thus the resulting calibration is correlated to glucose, and not to other analytes, sampling factors or environmental factors.

Abstract: The invention provides a class of samples that model the human body. This family of samples is based upon emulsions of oil in water with lecithin acting as the emulsifier. These solutions that have varying particle sizes may be spiked with basis set components (albumin, urea and glucose) to simulate skin tissues further. The family of samples is such that other organic compounds such as collagen, elastin, globulin and bilirubin may be added, as can salts such as Na+, K+ and Cl−. Layers of varying thickness with known index of refraction and particle size distributions may be generated using simple crosslinking reagents, such as collagen (gelatin). The resulting samples are flexible in each analyte's concentration and match the skin layers of the body in terms of the samples reduced scattering and absorption coefficients, &mgr;ms and &mgr;ma. This family of samples is provided for use in the medical field where lasers and spectroscopy based analyzers are used in treatment of the body.

Abstract: A novel approach to measuring the overall and layer-by-layer thickness of in vivo skin tissue based on near infrared absorbance spectra is described. The different biological and chemical compounds present in the various layers of a tissue sample have differing absorbance spectra and scattering properties that enable them to be discerned and quantified, thus allowing an estimate of the thickness of the tissue being sampled. The method of the invention also yields the chemical composition of the absorbing and/or scattering species of each layer. Additionally, a method of path length normalization for the purpose of noninvasive analyte prediction on the basis of skin thickness and layer constituents is provided.

Abstract: A compromise rail is formed of a single length of stock rail. One end of the rail is forged over a distance of 19-48 inches to reduce the height of the forged portion, which is then machined to match the running rail to which that end is to be attached. The invention avoids the expense and inconvenience of flash butt welding a forged section to a uniform profile rail as is done in prior art compromise rails.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasively quantifying the hydration of the stratum corneum of a living subject utilizes in vivo spectral measurements made by irradiating skin tissue with near infrared (NIR) light. The apparatus includes a spectroscopic instrument in conjunction with a subject interface. The resulting NIR absorption spectra are passed to an analyzer for further processing, which includes detecting and eliminating invalid spectral measurements, and preprocessing to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, a calibration model developed from an exemplary set of measurements is applied to predict the SC hydration for the sample. The method of SC hydration measurement provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability, namely, the water content of the epidermal layer of skin and the penetration depth of the incident light.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating a controlled pattern of ablation throughout the interior of an organ or body cavity while minimizing thermal damage to collateral tissue includes a microporous balloon mounted on a catheter. The balloon, bearing electrodes embedded in the surface, is inserted into the target body region and inflated, whereupon the electrodes come into contact with the interior of the targeted organ. Because of its microporous nature, fluids for cooling or various therapeutic purposes may pass through the surface of the balloon to the target site. Sensors monitor conditions such as temperature and impedance at the site, providing required feedback for delivery of RF energy for ablation, and administration of cooling and hydrating fluids. A second balloon or other means isolates the treatment area and controls the flow and accumulation of body fluids and treatment fluids minimizing adverse treatment effects from fluid accumulations, and anchoring the catheter in place.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for treatment for body structures, especially internal body structures involving unwanted features or other disorders, that does not require relatively invasive surgery, and is not subject to other drawbacks noted with regard to the known art. A relatively minimally invasive catheter including a contained cooling element is inserted into the body. The distal and proximal end of the catheter are extended or retracted or some combination thereof so as to achieve optimal delivery of treatment. Treatment of the body structures is applied using the electrodes embedded in the cooling element, and the unwanted features or disorders are relatively cured using the applied treatments.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and system for ablation of body structures or tissue in the region of the rectum. A catheter is inserted into the rectum, and an electrode is disposed thereon for emitting energy. The environment for an ablation region is isolated or otherwise controlled by blocking gas or fluid using a pair of inflatable balloons at upstream and downstream locations. Inflatable balloons also serve to anchor the catheter in place. A plurality of electrodes are disposed on the catheter and at least one such electrode is selected and advanced out of the catheter to penetrate and ablate selected tissue inside the body in the region of the rectum. The electrodes are coupled to sensors to determine control parameters of the body structure or tissue, and which are used by feedback technique to control delivery of energy for ablation or fluids for cooling or hydration.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe placement guide minimizes sampling errors during optical sampling of a tissue measurement site by allowing repeatable placement of the fiber optic probe at a targeted tissue measurement site. A mount, contoured to conform to the shape of the tissue measurement site, typically the arm of a human subject, contains an aperture for receiving a fiber optic probe. A temperature probe on the contact surface of the guide allows for monitoring of surface temperature within the vicinity of the tissue measurement site. Crosshair slots in the mount align with corresponding crosshairs at the tissue measurement site. The fiber optic probe placement guide is affixed to the tissue measurement site by means of adhesive tape or fastenable straps. Guideposts on the external surface of the mount are received by corresponding receptacles on a subject interface bearing the fiber optic probe to facilitate alignment of the fiber optic probe with the aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a design process that is used in the determination of the pattern of detector and illumination optical fibers at the sampling area of a subject. Information about the system, specifically a monochromator (e.g. to determine the optimal number of fibers at an output slit) and the bundle termination at a detector optics stack (e.g. to determine the optimal number of fibers at the bundle termination), is of critical importance to this design. It is those numbers that determine the ratio and number of illumination to detection fibers, significantly limiting and constraining the solution space. Additional information about the estimated signal and noise in the skin is necessary to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio in the wavelength range of interest. Constraining the fibers to a hexagonal perimeter and prescribing a hex-packed pattern, such that alternating columns contain illumination and detection fibers, yields optimal results.

Abstract: An in vivo, non-invasive method of tissue classification using near-IR (NIR) spectral measurements. A classification model is based on NIR spectral absorbance measurements from an exemplary population. Spectral features representing variation between tissue types are identified. Analytic techniques enhance the features of interest and correct spectral interference to improve the predictive ability of the classification model. A classification routine defines classes based on variation between tissue types, such that variation within a class is small compared to variation between classes. A decision rule assigns individual samples from the exemplary population to classes. An in-vivo, non-invasive procedure applies the classification model to individual tissue samples. A preferred embodiment of the invention distinguishes transgenic mice from non-transgenic individuals based on variation in fat composition within muscle tissue.