Abstract: A method of creating, with a hardware system, a synchronised soundtrack for an item of electronic media content in which the playback of the soundtrack is synchronised with the user's reading speed. The method generates a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display comprising a reading display pane displaying at least a portion of the electronic media content in a reading format and a linear progression display pane displaying a linear progression of a range of reading position identifiers corresponding to at least a portion of the electronic media content displayed on the first display pane. User interaction with a GUI of the interface is used to configure audio data for each new audio region of the soundtrack. Both the reading display pane and linear progression display pane are simultaneously updated with graphical representations of the newly configured audio region showing an association between the audio region and the corresponding text region in the electronic media content to which it relates.

Abstract: A method and system for streaming a soundtrack from a server to a remote user device for a reader of electronic media content. The soundtrack is defined by multiple audio regions. Each audio region defined by an audio track for playback in the audio region, a start position in the electronic media content corresponding to where the playback of the audio region is to begin, and a stop position in the electronic media content corresponding to where the playback of the audio region is to cease. The streaming of the soundtrack is based on control data generated by the remote user device.

Abstract: A home security and control system for monitoring and controlling an external environment such as a home environment comprising: an Internet browser connectable to an extranet; an extranet located external to the home environment and accessible via the Internet browser; a communications server located in the extranet and adapted to interconnect on demand with one of a series of connection gateways located in predetermined home environments; and a connection gateway located in the home environment adapted to control and/or monitor the operation of at least one security device in the home environment; wherein upon accessing a predetermined address by the Internet browser on the extranet, the communications server connects to a predetermined one of the connection gateways to control and/or monitor the operation of the security device. The extranet can ideally be implemented as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) across an Internet substrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a remotely operable lock. In an example embodiment, a method comprises receiving credentials at a web service from a portable electronic device, authenticating the credentials, and based on a successful authentication, issuing a command for receipt by the lock from the web service or the portable electronic device.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved robotic handler for multi-well plates. The handler comprises a vertical elevator with integral mounts for instruments used in cellular experiments. This solution reduces overall mechanical complexity while reducing the working volume of previous collections of devices with similar function.

Abstract: The invention provides an novel imaging system for microscopy including both continuous motion and stationary field image acquisition. More specifically, the invention provides a system that can translate a specimen relative to the field-of-view of an imager while synchronously acquiring image data. Using the same imaging optics and imager, the system can acquire stationary images at any location on the specimen.

Abstract: A system is configured to communicate an identity and perform a physical task. The system has an application controlled identity device is configured to receive and to store a user identity. An application controlled detection device is communicatively coupled to the application controlled identity device. An actuator is communicatively coupled to the application controlled detection device. The application controlled detection device comprises computer code programmed to compare the identity with the stored identity. The application controlled detection device further comprises computer code programmed to activate the actuator when the identity matches the stored identity.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for controllable alignment of any of a plurality of electro-optical components mounted to a circuit board with an optical axis. In one embodiment, the invention provides an improved illumination system for microscopy. The system incorporates a circuit board 31 providing structure and directly mounting a plurality of light emitting sources. The mounted light sources are rotatably alignable with a plurality of optical axes. The system further includes selectable conditioning of the sources.

Abstract: A soundtrack creation method and user playback system for soundtracks synchronized to electronic text. Synchronization is achieved by maintaining a reading speed variable indicative of the user's reading speed. The system provides for multiple channels of audio to enable concurrent playback of two or more partially or entirely overlapping audio regions so as to create an audio output having, for example, sound effects, ambience, music or other audio features that are triggered to playback at specific portions in the electronic text to enhance the reading experience.

Abstract: A soundtrack creation method and user playback system for soundtracks synchronized to electronic text. Synchronization is achieved by maintaining a reading speed variable indicative of the user's reading speed. The system provides for multiple channels of audio to enable concurrent playback of two or more partially or entirely overlapping audio regions so as to create an audio output having, for example, sound effects, ambience, music or other audio features that are triggered to playback at specific portions in the electronic text to enhance the reading experience.

Abstract: A soundtrack creation method and user playback system for soundtracks synchronized to electronic text. Synchronization is achieved by maintaining a reading speed variable indicative of the user's reading speed. The system provides for multiple channels of audio to enable concurrent playback of two or more partially or entirely overlapping audio regions so as to create an audio output having, for example, sound effects, ambience, music or other audio features that are triggered to playback at specific portions in the electronic text to enhance the reading experience.

Abstract: Methods for use in, e.g., in-patient care computing environment, for displaying clinically-related in-patient information on at least one patient-viewable display device are provided. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention may include receiving a clinical order associated with an in-patient, automatically generating one or more tasks based on the clinical order received, and automatically displaying the task(s) on the patient-viewable display device. If desired, the method may additionally include associating the clinical order and the task(s) with an electronic record associated with the in-patient (e.g., an electronic medical record), and accessing the electronic record to obtain the one or more tasks for display on the patient-viewable display device.

Abstract: A composite variable duration soundtrack for a user to play while reading a text source, the soundtrack duration being defined by a soundtrack timeline. The soundtrack comprises multiple sound layers configured to play concurrently through the soundtrack timeline, each sound layer having an arrangement of one or more audio features that are configured to play at preset start times in the soundtrack timeline. At least one sound layer is adapted for modifying the preset start and stop times of its audio features to match the reading speed of a user based on a reading speed input.

Abstract: A guidance system (10) is provided for interactive image capture for use with a device (12) having a camera (14) with a camera lens(s) 16. The system (10) includes a housing (20) configured to be mounted on the device (12), and a light source (22) mounted in the housing (20). The housing (20) and the light source (22) are configured to project a lighted boundary (24) onto a surface (26) in response to a control signal, with the boundary (24) defining a region of image capture (27) by the camera (14). The light source (22) is configured to selectively project the boundary (24) in a first color and to selectively project the boundary (24) in a second color, with the first and second colors providing feedback information to a user regarding the statue of image capture by the camera.

Abstract: A system and method (10) are disclosed for providing home health care to a plurality of home health care patients (12) by utilizing the services of field nurses (14). The system (10) includes at least one centralized programmable processor (16) configured to respond to a field alert request (18) associated with one of the patients (12) by accessing an electronic database (20) for a patient dataset (22) specific to the patient (12) and automatically initiating a field alert in the form of a wireless communications signal (24) transmitting a portion or all of the patient dataset (22) to a wireless communications device 26 assigned to a field nurse (14).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided. The method includes the steps of an imaging device capturing an image of a display of a medical instrument, an image processor determining a location of a patient biometric measurement within the image, an optical character recognition module recognizing a set of alphanumeric characters within the determined location and a communication processor sending the recognized characters to a remotely located healthcare database.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for imaging are provided. Specifically, systems and methods for extending the range of a digital zoom are provided in which an imaging system provides continuous magnification over a plurality of interleaved optical pathways and digital zooming imagers. Systems and methods of centering an image as the field of view changes, and for masking out undesirable obstacles from a magnified image are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a remotely operable lock. In an example embodiment, a method comprises receiving credentials at a web service from a portable electronic device, authenticating the credentials, and based on a successful authentication, issuing a command for receipt by the lock from the web service or the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a remotely operable lock. In an example embodiment, a method comprises providing a first web service for receiving credentials or a command from a portable electronic device having a software application installed thereon, issuing a command for receipt by the lock from the web service, and providing an application programming interface at the first web service for integrating a second web service or the software application with the first web service to allow the portable electronic device to communicate with the lock or web service.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a remotely operable lock. In an example embodiment, a method comprises authenticating, at a web service, credentials received from a portable electronic device, detecting the proximity of the portable electronic device to the lock, and issuing a command for receipt by the lock from the web service or portable electronic device.