Abstract: An automated system for partitioning a set of Boolean logic equations onto one or more devices selected from a plurality of commercially available devices. The system utilizes a processor having a memory containing information on the different architectural types of devices, physical device information on individual devices and user generated design constraints, weighting factors and partitioning directives. Based upon this stored information, the system of the present invention selects all acceptable architectural types of devices wherein at least one of the Boolean logic equations can be placed thereon. For all physical devices associated with the acceptable architectural types only those devices which fall within the selected user constraints are selected. The system then evaluates the weighting factors to order the devices in order of cost value and then fits the equations according to the partitioning directives to the devices.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a region of a body surface includes recording at a first time a first multispectral digital image of the surface including the region, recording at a subsequent time a subsequent multispectral digital image of the surface including the region, and comparing the first and the subsequent images. Also, such a method in which the first and subsequent images are high magnification images, and further including recording low magnification images that include the high magnification images. Also, a method for forming a diagnostically useful classification of pigmented skin lesions includes using such a method to construct a database containing quantitatively extracted selected features from images recorded from a plurality of skin lesions, and correlating the features from each such lesion in the database with the medical history of the skin lesion from which the image was recorded.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the automatic management of vehicle access to a restricted access area. The system includes at least one base transceiver positioned at least at one location providing an entrance to and an exit from said restricted access area. The system also includes a plurality of vehicle borne transponders, and an independent management computer. As vehicles attempt to access the restricted area, the base transceiver, the vehicle transponders, and the independent management computer communicate to monitor and regulate the vehicle access. According to one embodiment, the invention automatically manages access to a commercial parking facility. In another embodiment, the invention automatically dispatches taxicabs from a corral area. In a further embodiment, the invention controls vehicle access to facilities such as gated communities, and employee and student parking areas.

Abstract: A method for predicting a property of a matter of biological origin, such as biological fluid, containing water, where the biological matter may be approximated to contain two compartments where one compartment has a proportionally larger or smaller amount of water than the other compartment having the property of interest. The method establishes a training set in the near-infrared (NIR) region with independent quantification of the property of the matter using known techniques. The training set is mathematically analyzed according to a correlation developed by regression analysis after employment of a ratio pre-processing technique. The result is a mathematical transformation equation which quantitatively relates spectral intensities at specific wavelengths to the property of interest. This transformation equation may be applied to unknown samples so as to predict their properties, thereby eliminating need for the reference method except for validation or recalibration.

Abstract: Apparatus that provides an integrated approach for all management activities for hazardous substances used or generated at a facility, including form generation and compliance with the reporting requirements. The apparatus includes six functional groupings and a database schema or coordinator that integrates these groupings and allows them to share and exchange relevant information. The functional groupings include a hazardous materials index grouping (chemical profiles, waste profiles, Material Safety Data Sheets, etc.), a hazardous materials management grouping (MSDS generation, process definition, materials transfers, etc.), a human resource management grouping (training, exposure limits, etc.) and a hazardous commitment management grouping (compliance requirements and deadlines). Optionally, a hazardous waste management grouping (waste accumulations, Hazardous Waste Manifests, etc.) or a hazardous permit management grouping (permit approvals and renewals, etc.

Abstract: A self-contained downhole apparatus for being lowered into an oil or gas well to internally record samples of at least one environmental condition comprises three body sections linearly and releasably interconnected. One of the body sections is a selected one of a plurality of transducer housing sections. The selected transducer housing section is mechanically and electrically connected to a second body section containing microcomputer-operated signal processing circuitry. The third body section contains a power supply.

Abstract: An analysis system accepts physiological sensor signals, including electroencephalogram (EEG) and other signals commonly sensed in sleep analysis, stores the raw data for later retrieval, extracts features from the digitized signal data which are of a type apt to be significant in classifying and detecting physiological functions (such as the state of sleep) and matches the extracted features to patterns which indicate the type of feature that has been extracted. The matched features are then utilized to classify for each epoch (limited period of time) the state of the physiological function (such as the stage of sleep) for that epoch. The results of the classification analysis are displayed on a CRT screen to the operator on a real time basis and in time correlation with representations of detected features from the various physiological signals.

Abstract: An information display system is provided having a transmitter and a plurality of uniquely identified display terminals, each terminal having an IR receiver. Uniquely identified sets of messages are transmitted in by the IR transceiver for reception by the display terminals. Between each set of transmissions, the receiver is periodically activated. Once the presence of a transmission is sensed by the receiver, a timer forces the receiver to remain activated while it compares the uniquely identified received messages to the display terminals unique identification. The receiver stores the message that matches the identification of the display terminal and the timer forces the receiver to remain deactivated at least until the entire set of transmissions has been completed.

Abstract: An x-ray CT scanner acquires projection data from a series of projections during a scan of a patient's chest Movement of the patient's chest due to respiration is also sensed during the scan and this acquired motion data is employed along with an warping function which models chest motion to calculate factors which correct the acquired projection data and reduce motion artifacts in an image produced by back projecting the acquired projection data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reconstructing a 3D CT image of an object from incomplete x-ray cone beam projection data, additionally employing object boundary information from a separate optical scan. A 3D image of the object is reconstructed slice-by-slice by employing, for each slice, a 2D reconstruction procedure for example, filtered backprojection, on the values of the 2D projection images in the plane of the slice to calculate a 2D image of the object for each of the slices.

Abstract: A system and method for registering a password includes a data center that processes and stores transaction data, and a teller window transaction device communicating with the data center. The teller window transaction device has a first input device such as a keyboard used by a teller for inputting transaction data, a first display unit used by the teller for displaying the transaction data, a second input device such as an input panel used by the customer, and a second display unit used by the customer for displaying the transaction data. When a new customer's card is issued, the first input device is used by the teller for inputting information such as the customer's name and address, and this information is shown on the second display unit as well as the first display unit so that the customer can confirm that it has been accurately entered. Thereafter the customer is prompted to use the second input device to enter a secret password, which has not been disclosed to the teller.

Abstract: A calculator, packaged in a wristwatch-style housing, with wrist strap, is usable by the player of a card game, such as blackjack, in obtaining a game strategy decision or prompt, and contains a keyboard on the wrist housing unit, by which the card game player enters card value and hand designation information. This keyboard drives a display on the wrist housing, and has a microprocessor powered calculator within the housing where the calculator performs the game decision calculations. The results of the calculations drive an output display prompter on the wrist housing to prompt the game player on blackjack decisions.

Abstract: The system measures the pressure pulses in an upper body peripheral artery and produces an electrical signal which represents the contours of these pulses. It then digitizes the signal and synthesizes the pressure pulses in the ascending aorta using either a frequency-domain or a time-domain calculation method. Next, the system separately averages the signals corresponding to the measured pulses and those corresponding to the synthesized pulses, and forms for each an "average pulse." The system identifies the wave foot in each of the average pulses, identifies the incisura in the average peripheral pulse, determines the amount of time associated with systole and, based on this time, segments the synthesized pulse into systolic and diastolic components.

Abstract: A method for routing food orders in a dining establishment using a computer having a monitor and a first printer at an ordering location and a second printer located at a food preparation location and linked to the computer, including the steps of: (a) displaying on the monitor a main screen having a principal display region presenting a display of patron seating locations in the establishment and a function region presenting a display of targets which can be selected to control the ordering of food items and the production of a bill; (b) selecting a seating location on the principal display region to display on the monitor an order screen displaying menu items in an order region and a bill in a bill region for the selected location; (c) selecting menu items on the food order screen in order to transfer each food item to the bill region; (d) causing at least selected items appearing in the bill region to be printed on the second printer; and (e) generating a printed bill on the first printer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting x-ray cone beam data (line integrals through an object) to Radon data (planar integrals) for 3D CT image reconstruction by inverse Radon transformation. The radial derivative of each planar integral is determined by integrating to determine weighted line integrals along each of a pair of lines on a normalized detector plane, which lines are defined as intersections with the normalized detector plane of a corresponding pair of integration planes sharing a rotation axis and rotated with respect to each other by a rotation angle .delta..beta., and then dividing the difference between the weighted line integrals by the rotation angle .delta..beta.. The procedure can be employed to convert the cone beam data to values representing planar integrals on any arbitrary set of planes in Radon space, such as a set of coaxial vertical planes.

Abstract: A system for generating and processing synthetic and absolute real time remote environments for interaction with a user and her biological senses is comprised of seven modules. These modules store, retrieve and process data to generate an output which interfaces with the system user's biological senses. These modules also track user data to accurately place the user in the generated and processed model. Various embodiments of the system user sensory interface are provided including visual and aural input devices and a three dimensional chamber having interactive tactile output via matrix-addressed, electromechanically operated rods driving a flexible skin.

Abstract: An x-ray CT scanner acquires projection data from a series of views during a scan of a patient's chest. Movement of the patient's chest due to respiration is also sensed during the scan and this acquired motion data is employed along with a geometric model of chest motion to calculate factors which correct the acquired projection data and reduce motion artifacts in an image produced by back projecting the acquired projection data.

Abstract: A remote control unit for use with an ophthalmic surgical system having a main control console with video display screen and operator interface. The remote controller is connected by an electrical umbilical cord to the main console and provides a second operator display and membrane-switch interface for use by a surgeon or other member of the surgical team. This remote control unit has its own housing with a splash-resistant front face that is divided into primary and secondary operator interface panels. The primary panel includes a rectangular display field having a plurality of back-illumination lights for selectively illuminating legends found on a replaceable legend card that fits within a slot behind the face plates. Control functions corresponding to the illuminated legends may be selected or de-selected by pressing nearby switches arranged in locations adjacent to the display field. The secondary panel also contains membrane switches and legends illuminated by back-lighting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to utilizing data indicative of formation resistivity and calculating the width and depth of a fracture therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention employs data acquired from a formation microscanner tool. Potential fracture locations are detected for acquired formation microscanner tool data preferably by taking into account the relatively slowly varying conductivity changes in the rock matrix, and separating them out from the high and narrow peaks generated by fractures. Each potential fracture location can be depicted as current from the formation microscanner tool versus azimuth, wherein the current measured by the formation microscanner tool is essentially flat for the formation but peaked for potential fracture locations.

Abstract: A biosensing system is described which determines whether a measured current is varying in accordance with a predetermined Cottrell current relationship. The system includes a test cell with at least a pair of electrodes which extend into a reaction zone, which reaction zone includes analyte reactants. An analog signal detector, in combination with a microprocessor, take plurality of current measurements between the electrodes over a plurality of succeeding measurement times, after a sample is placed in contact with the analyte reactants in the reaction zone. The microprocessor also stores a plurality of succeeding cpmparison constants which are derived by taking the inverse ratio of the square root of a measurement time divided by the square root of a subsequent measurement time.