Abstract: End effectors with closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises a first and second jaw movable between a closed grasped or clamped configuration and an open configuration. The tool further comprises a soft grip mode for grasping the tissue at a first force during which a separation parameter between the jaws is measured, and a therapeutic clamping mode in which the jaws clamp on the body tissue at a force greater than the grasping force. The methods comprise grasping the body tissue between jaw members, measuring the separation parameter between jaws, indicating on a user interface the separation parameter for comparison to a desired separation parameter, and then releasing the body tissue for repositioning or therapeutically clamping the body tissue in response to the separation parameter indication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an IPTV System for provisioning IPTV services to a subscriber of said IPTV system. The IPTV-system comprises an application server for provisioning IPTV services to the subscriber via a first client device that is associated to the subscriber and the first client device. The application Server is coupled to the first client device over a communications network. The IPTV system further comprises a location determination part that is adapted to determine an actual location of the subscriber and a service provisioning determination part that is adapted to determine alternative means for provisioning the IPTV services to the subscriber based on the location of the subscriber.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation device includes an electrically conductive electrode structure configured for coupling with a pulse generator device and transmitting an electrical signal configured to generate a desirable electric field around a target tissue. The electrode structure includes a porous substrate constructed of a bio-compatible and bio-survivable material having a structure that mimics extracellular matrix embedding. The porous substrate supports an electrically conductive electrode element. The implantable device may further include a pulse generator also embedded, enmeshed, and supported within the porous substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for location tracking. In one embodiment, an apparatus receives a message sent to a user of a mobile device in a wireless network, and a processor determines at least one location parameter. Data is extracted from the message, and initiation of a computing function (e.g., transmission of a communication to the mobile device) is triggered by a match between the location and the data from the message.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating domain-compliant image data. Domain-specific usage rights may be evaluated. The domain-specific usage rights may be associated with the transfer of particular encoded image data to a particular computing system other than the computing system. The domain-specific usage rights may specify maximum allowable spatial frequency content of the particular encoded image data. Domain-compliant image data may be generated by removing particular disallowable spatial frequency content from the encoded image data prior to transfer to the particular computing system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for automation control for personalized ambient temperature management are disclosed. First input corresponding to a first set of sensors may be processed. A location of a first occupant of a home may be determined based on the first input. Second input corresponding to a second set of sensors may be processed. A first temperature in the location may be determined based on the second input corresponding to the second set of one or more sensors. A first state of the first occupant in the location may be determined based on third input corresponding to the first set of sensors or corresponding to a third set of sensors. An adjustment may be determined based on the location, the first temperature, and the first state of the first occupant. One or more components of the home may be caused to adjust based on the adjustment.

Abstract: A system for controlling a surgical instrument comprises an input device operably coupled to remotely control movement of a surgical instrument operably coupled to a computer-assisted surgical system; a first auxiliary input device configured to transmit an auxiliary function control signal to activate an auxiliary function of a surgical instrument in an operably coupled state of the first auxiliary input device and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting failure in clamping of a material and/or firing of a staple into a clamped material and indicating such failure to a user on a user interface. The system and methods are particularly suited for use with end effectors having closing and/or firing mechanisms coupled to an actuator. By monitoring a driving parameter of an actuator that effects the clamping and/or firing, the systems and methods provide an indication of failure in response to the monitored drive parameter. In some embodiments, an indication of failure is output when the monitored drive parameter is outside an acceptable range of desired driving parameters during clamping and/or firing. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system can include one or more wheels positioned to support the cart for wheeled motion on a ground surface, at least one manipulator portion for holding a surgical instrument, a steering interface having a grasping portion and comprising a sensor positioned to sense turning, fore, and aft forces exerted on the grasping portion to move the cart, wherein the sensor is in signal communication with a drive control system of the patient side cart, and an additional sensor operatively coupled to the drive control system. The additional sensor may be positioned between the steering interface and the wheels on a side of the cart at which the steering interface is positioned, wherein in response to a force exerted on the additional sensor during backward motion of the cart in response to an aft force exerted on the grasping portion, the sensor sends a signal to the drive control system to stop motion of the cart.

Abstract: A method of assigning an auxiliary input device to control a surgical instrument in a robotic surgical system may include detecting a first surgical instrument coupled to a first manipulator interface assembly of a teleoperated surgical system, the manipulator interface assembly being controlled by a first input device; detecting which one of a user's left and right hands operates the first input device; and assigning control of an auxiliary function of the first surgical instrument to a first auxiliary input device disposed in a left position relative to a second auxiliary input device if the user's left hand is detected to operate the first input device, or assigning control of an auxiliary function of the first surgical instrument to a second auxiliary input device disposed in a right position relative to the first auxiliary input device if the user's right hand is detected to operate the first input device.

Abstract: End effectors with closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods are disclosed. The disclosed end effectors may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises a first and second jaw movable between a closed grasped or clamped configuration and an open configuration. The tool further comprises a soft grip mode for grasping the tissue at a first force during which a separation parameter between the jaws is measured, and a therapeutic clamping mode in which the jaws clamp on the body tissue at a force greater than the grasping force. The methods comprise grasping the body tissue between jaw members, measuring the separation parameter between jaws, indicating on a user interface the separation parameter for comparison to a desired separation parameter, and then releasing the body tissue for repositioning or therapeutically clamping the body tissue in response to the separation parameter indication.

Abstract: The application discusses a computer implemented method and apparatus for performing audio equalisation in an audio receiver device, such as an integrated receiver/decoder or set top box, or integrated TV, connected to one or more audio playback devices, such as a television unit, computer screen and speakers, amplifier or home theatre equipment. The method and apparatus use an equalisation process which compares audio signals received in different audio formats (e.g. MPEG-1 Layer II, AC-3 2.0, AC-3 5.1 and HE-AAC) with one another, allowing a correction gain factor to be determined for equalising the perceived loudness of the signals when played-back at a connected playback device. The correction gain factor is then applied in the audio receiver device before output.

Abstract: Various arrangements are presented for recording broadcast television programming. An electronic programming guide database may be accessed to determine a scheduled start time and a scheduled end time for the broadcast television program. A timer may be defined to record the broadcast television program. The start time for the timer may be a first predefined period of time before the scheduled start time of the broadcast television program and an end time for the timer may be a second predefined period of time after the scheduled end time of the broadcast television program. The broadcast television program may be recorded, the recording beginning at the start time of the timer and ending at the end time of the timer. One or more bookmarks that are based on the scheduled start time and/or scheduled end time of the broadcast television program may be created for the recorded television program.

Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system can include one or more wheels positioned to support the cart for wheeled motion on a ground surface, at least one manipulator portion for holding a surgical instrument, a steering interface having a grasping portion and comprising a sensor positioned to sense turning, fore, and aft forces exerted on the grasping portion to move the cart, wherein the sensor is in signal communication with a drive control system of the patient side cart, and an additional sensor operatively coupled to the drive control system. The additional sensor may be positioned between the steering interface and the wheels on a side of the cart at which the steering interface is positioned, wherein in response to a force exerted on the additional sensor during backward motion of the cart in response to an aft force exerted on the grasping portion, the sensor sends a signal to the drive control system to stop motion of the cart.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for configuring a remote control device to operate multiple devices. Functionality is provided to detect whether the remote control device has been configured to control one of the devices. If the remote control has not yet been configured to operate another device, the user is invited to configure the remote control accordingly. Detection may be based on additional codes transmitted with the remote control device that indicate the configuration status of the remote control. Detection may be additionally or alternately based on user behavior that is identified as consistent with operation of an un-configured remote control.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system for a turbine engine includes a support structure, a transcowl, a door, and an anti-rotation structure. The transcowl is mounted on the support structure and has an inner surface. The transcowl is axially translatable, relative to the support structure, between first and second positions. The door is pivotally coupled to the turbine engine, and has a forward edge and an aft edge. The door is rotatable between stowed and deployed positions when the transcowl translates between the first and second positions, respectively. The anti-rotation structure extends from the transcowl and is disposed adjacent to the aft edge of the door when the transcowl is in the first position and the door is in the stowed position. The anti-rotation structure is configured such that door rotation out of the stowed position only occurs subsequent to or concurrently with translation of the transcowl out of the first position.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system comprising a single row vane assembly is provided. The provided thrust reverser system is capable of meeting performance requirements for turbine engines with reduced weight and cost.

Abstract: A client device and method to normalize a digital image into a universal digital color system includes a camera and a processor. The camera acquires a digital image of a color swatch and the processor converts the digital image into a RGB color image of the color swatch. The RGB color image is segmented into segments and each segment is analyzed to determine a dominant color for each segment. At least one dominant color for the color swatch is determined based on prevalence of at least one dominant color in each segment. A hexadecimal code of the universal color system is assigned to the color swatch that is closest to a digital hexadecimal value of the RGB image based on color component intensity values of the dominant color of the color swatch, thereby normalizing RGB colors of the color swatch.