Abstract: Computed tomography imaging spectrometers (“CTIS”s) having color focal plane array detectors are provided. The color FPA detector may comprise a digital color camera including a digital image sensor, such as a Foveon X3® digital image sensor or a Bayer color filter mosaic. In another embodiment, the CTIS includes a pattern imposed either directly on the object scene being imaged or at the field stop aperture. The use of a color FPA detector and the pattern improves the accuracy of the captured spatial and spectral information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for insertion of assets into a stream of content (e.g., audio and/or video programming). Such assets may be targeted to network users separate from the surrounding content and deliveries thereof confirmed. Among other things, these systems and methods enable a new advertising paradigm based on guaranteed delivery of targeted commercial impressions. In this regard, the systems and methods generally provide assets with broadcast network programming (e.g., via actual insertion and/or switching to an asset channel) based on actual audience observations. For example, asset providers may wish to target assets for delivery according to specific audience classifications (e.g., gender, income level, locale, age, etc.). Programming providers, such as television programmers and radio programmers (e.g., standard tower broadcast radio and satellite radio), may receive information from broadcast network users and insert the assets into available bandwidth based on that information.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for use in connection with delivering content that is targeted to users of a broadcast network. In order to select content that is targeted to users of the broadcast network, signals are received from a plurality of customer premise equipment devices (CPEs) of the network users via a broadcast network interface. Based on the received signals, broadcast assets (e.g., programming, advertisements etc.) are selected from a collection of available asset options. Accordingly, at least a portion of the selected assets are inserted into a content stream of the broadcast network. Once the content stream is broadcast over a broadcast network interface, at least a portion of the selected assets area available for receipt by at least a portion of the CPEs. The CPEs generate reports regarding assets delivered such that asset providers can be billed based on guaranteed targeted impressions.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for use in connection with delivering content that is targeted to users of a broadcast network. In order to select content that is targeted to users of the broadcast network, signals are received from a plurality of customer premise equipment devices (CPEs) of the network users via a broadcast network interface. Based on the received signals, broadcast assets (e.g., programming, advertisements etc.) are selected from a collection of available asset options. Accordingly, at least a portion of the selected assets are inserted into a content stream of the broadcast network. Once the content stream is broadcast over a broadcast network interface, at least a portion of the selected assets area available for receipt by at least a portion of the CPEs. The CPEs generate reports regarding assets delivered such that asset providers can be billed based on guaranteed targeted impressions.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to dynamically insert content into programming breaks of at least a first programming channel. In order to dynamically insert such content, status information regarding a current status of a programming channel is procured. Based on the status information, a plurality of available insertion options (e.g., assets) may be identified. Using the identified asset options, an asset insertion schedule is developed for least one subsequent programming break of the programming channel. Upon identifying the beginning of the at least one subsequent programming break, the selected assets may be inserted into a content stream (e.g., associated with the programming channel) according to the insertion schedule. Generally, to provide such dynamic insertion, the status of the programming channel may be monitored periodically and/or continuously such that assets that are suited for current network conditions may be selected and inserted into one or more programming breaks.

Abstract: Fast confocal spectral imagers are provided. A fast confocal spectral imager according to the invention includes a spectral imager coupled to a fast confocal microscope. A laser is provided for generating laser light, which passes through scanning optics which are configured to scan a line- or slit-shaped region of a specimen at a given time. The light then passes through an objective lens and excites fluorescent dyes applied to the specimen, causing the dyes to fluoresce at respective emission spectra. The fluorescence radiated by the excited dyes then passes back through the scanning optics and is directed to a fixed slit that functions as an entrance slit for a spectral imager. The spectral imager receives the fluorescence and separates it into wavelength bands. The wavelength and position across the slit-shaped region of the specimen for each wavelength band are then recorded.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving parcels having a structural frame and a parcel drop having a fully open and a fully closed position is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bin, a first opening between the bin and the structural frame through which patrons may deposit parcels into the bin at least when the parcel drop is in the fully open position. The apparatus further includes a second opening within the bin through which deposited parcels may fall out of the bin at least when the parcel drop is in the fully closed position. The parcel drop is rotatably coupled to the structural frame.

Abstract: A video network comprises: a plurality of video sources to launch onto the network first, higher resolution, video data and second, lower resolution, video data providing a lower resolution representation of the higher resolution video data; at least one destination device operable to process video received via the network; a network switch for selectively routing data from the video sources to the destination devices; and a network control arrangement connected to the network switch and having: a display device; a graphical user interface (GUI) arranged to display, on the display device, the lower resolution representations of video data from at least a subset of the plurality of sources together with identifiers associating the lower resolution representations with the respective sources; means for user selection, by use of the GUI, of a source of video of the higher resolution and a corresponding destination device; and means for controlling the routing of the higher resolution video data from the selected

Abstract: A support system (10) for stabilizing a high-pressure feed line (15) in a high-speed water jet food portioner, comprising a rigid span assembly (12) connected at one end to an extendable universal joint (40) that provides rotational motion around two axes (36,37) as well as linear freedom along a third axis (38), and at the other end to a rod-end bearing (17) that permits motion about two axes at a fixed attachment point. The extendable universal joint (40) and the rod-end bearing (17) are each anchored to a fixed point, one on a portioner housing and the other on a cutting carriage such that the rigid span assembly (12) is allowed freedom at one end to move with the rapid and dramatically changing motion of the cutting carriage in order to provide support to the high-pressure feed line (15) mounted thereon, with minimal vibration.

Abstract: A system electronically detects and registers contact, especially in contact sport embodiments. An example contacting instrument includes a switch, a tone generator and a conductive mesh. An example detecting instrument includes a conductive mesh and a tone decoder. In a contact sport embodiment, each combatant possesses, for example, as part of the combatant's respective uniform, one or more contacting instruments and one or more detecting instruments embedded in prescribed contact zones. The basic goal of a combatant is to strike a contact zone of their opponent with one of their contacting instruments. The detecting instrument will recognize the tone, thereby recognizing a hit.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical diffraction element or grating, where the spectral response of phase gratings is substantially optimized by introducing structure into the grating groove profile. Spectral range of the grating is extended when compared to conventional blazed gratings.

Abstract: System and method for loading and/or updating firmware in a device, e.g., an embedded device, operable to be coupled to a host computer system. A first portion of firmware of the device, e.g., a boot loader, may be executable to operate the device, including processing requests from the host computer system and/or enabling the device to execute a second portion of the firmware, e.g., an operating system for the device. The device may be coupled to other devices or instruments. The second portion of the firmware may allow the host computer system to operate and/or control the other devices or instruments through the device. The host computer system may transmit a different version of the second portion of the firmware to the device, e.g., enabling the device to couple to and operate with a specific instrument. The host computer system may not update the first portion of the firmware.

Abstract: A system and process for selecting objects in an ubiquitous computing environment where various electronic devices are controlled by a computer via a network connection and the objects are selected by a user pointing to them with a wireless RF pointer. By a combination of electronic sensors onboard the pointer and external calibrated cameras, a host computer equipped with an RF transceiver decodes the orientation sensor values transmitted to it by the pointer and computes the orientation and 3D position of the pointer. This information, along with a model defining the locations of each object in the environment that is associated with a controllable electronic component, is used to determine what object a user is pointing at so as to select that object for further control actions.

Abstract: This application concerns improved methods of analyzing gene expression data where mRNA transcripts or representatives thereof that skew the gene expression profile of a cell or tissue sample are identified and removed from the population of mRNA transcripts prior to, during or subsequent to a reverse transcription reaction.

Abstract: A data management system includes a server system and a data forwarding unit for forwarding data to the server system via a public network. The server system includes a storage system for storing data, an information system for storing information on data managed by the data management system, and a plurality of interfaces for accessing the server system via the public network. When the data forwarding unit receives data, identification information on the received data is sent to the information system via one of the plurality of interfaces selected by the data forwarding unit in accordance with a set of predetermined rules. In response to receiving identification information from the data forwarding unit, the information system sends communication information for one of the plurality of interfaces selected by the information system in accordance with a set of predetermined rules.

Abstract: A packet-based data network comprises: a packet-based network switch; a plurality of packetised data sources coupled to the network, the packetised data comprising at least one of audio data or video data; at least one destination, being a data handling device for handling data from the packetised data sources, coupled to the network; and a network control arrangement coupled to the network, the network control arrangement being arranged to provide virtual circuit-switched connections for transfer of packetised data from sources to destinations via the network switch by: a) assigning multicast group identifiers to the sources, so that the sources launch packetised data onto the network as multicast data packets identified by the multicast group identifiers; and b) instructing a destination to issue a request to the network switch to join the multicast group of a source so as to receive data packets from that source.

Abstract: A cassette having a molded flow channel contained on an elastomeric sheet that is bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. The flow channel projects outwardly from the exterior of the cassette so that a peristaltic pump having pump head rollers mounted radially from the axis of rotation of the pump motor compress the elastomeric flow channels against the rigid substrate during operation.

Abstract: This application concerns improved methods of analyzing gene expression data where mRNA transcripts or representatives thereof that skew the gene expression profile of a cell or tissue sample are identified and removed from the population of mRNA transcripts prior to, during or subsequent to a reverse transcription reaction.