Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for providing identity, authentication, and access control services in a mobile environment utilizing data encoded tags. A server computing device receives tag data and user data from a mobile device, the tag data read from a data-encoded tag in proximity to the mobile device using a short-range communication protocol, and the user data stored on the mobile device. The server computing device authenticates a user of the mobile device based on the user data, determines whether the user is authorized to access an access point associated with the data-encoded tag, transmits a message to the access point that instructs the access point to grant user access if the user is authorized, receives a response from the access point indicating that user access is granted and transmits a message to the mobile device indicating to the user that access is granted to the access point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for developing workflow processes associated with data-encoded tags. A server receives tag data associated with each of a plurality of data-encoded tags from one or more mobile devices capable of reading data-encoded tags. The server generates a collection of tags to include each of the plurality of data-encoded tags. The server develops a workflow process associated with the collection of tags using the received tag data, and stores the workflow process in a data storage module.

Abstract: A body garment including sensors distributed throughout the garment, each sensor senses body state information from a local surface area of a body; and sensor nodes in proximity to the plurality of sensors, each sensor node including a processor to receive sensing body state information from at least one of the plurality of sensors. Each processor is configured to receive body state information locally from sensors, to utilize the information to determine a local surface shape of the surface of a portion of the body part; and to exchange local surface shape information with neighboring sensor nodes. At least one processor of utilizes the local surface shape information received from the sensor nodes to generate one overall model of a surface shape of the entire surface of the body part covered by the garment.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises first and second light sources driven respectively by second and third inverting amplifiers with feedback from the first and second light sources to provide signal content respectively on positive and negative phases of an input signal; and a bias control arrangement configured to measure a bias level of one of the light sources and to bias the second and third amplifiers based on the measured bias level.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for browsing objects organized in a hierarchy using a three-dimensional user interface. Some embodiments of the present technology involve a platform that renders an interface that represents objects that are hierarchically connected in three-dimensional space and that allows navigation through the hierarchy by moving through the three-dimensional space.

Abstract: An hanger apparatus including one or more extension elements with each extension element including a top portion and a bottom portion with the top portion having at least one flexible connector connection with the top portion also in communication with the bottom portion and the bottom portion including apertures for connecting a pool pole-head attachment, with the apparatus additionally including a flexible connector connecting to the at least one flexible connector connection of the top portion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods, which allow a more efficient shopping experience. A cascading commerce menu provides access to a plurality of product, service, and/or content categories. In one embodiment, the cascading commerce menu is stored on a client computer, thereby providing quick access to the menu.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.

Abstract: A method for generating and adjusting an image obtained based on computed tomography data using a non-linear blending function is provided. In one embodiment of the method, first image data is obtained using a first X-ray energy, and second image data is obtained using a second X-ray image energy. An image is generated by blending the first and second image data using the non-linear function. The first X-ray energy and the second X-ray energy are different.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.

Abstract: A method implemented in an electronic communication system associated with a settlement house for settling an electronic transaction between a customer and a merchant. The communication system receives through a first electronic communication path a first account identifier of a first account associated with the customer and a transaction amount from the merchant, contacts the customer through a second electronic communication path to allow the customer to select a payment method, and sends through a third electronic communication path the transaction amount and a second account identifier of a second account associated with the customer to a financial services provider associated with the payment method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for developing workflow processes associated with data-encoded tags. A server receives tag data associated with each of a plurality of data-encoded tags from one or more mobile devices capable of reading data-encoded tags. The server generates a collection of tags to include each of the plurality of data-encoded tags. The server develops a workflow process associated with the collection of tags using the received tag data, and stores the workflow process in a data storage module.

Abstract: A method for collecting data for geometric modeling of a physical object which includes: providing a first housing; providing an aperture in the first housing; providing a source of light within the housing that is strong enough to be perceptible in the ambient conditions at the aperture; providing a video recorder in a second housing; providing a rigid follower dimensioned and configured for following the surface of the physical object; rigidly fixing the rigid follower to one of the housings; and translating the follower along the surface of the physical object and simultaneously using the video recorder to video record the path of the aperture. Other embodiments of the present invention also include a method for guiding a tool. Still other embodiments of the present invention include a method for replicating a part.

Abstract: A method for generating and adjusting an image obtained based on computed tomography data using a non-linear blending function is provided. In one embodiment of the method, first image data is obtained using a first X-ray energy, and second image data is obtained using a second X-ray image energy. An image is generated by blending the first and second image data using the non-linear function. The first X-ray energy and the second X-ray energy are different.

Abstract: A pad assembly includes a carrier plate, a backing plate to one side of which is secured at least one friction pad and which is mounted on its alternate side on the carrier plate, a spring acting between the carrier plate and the backing plate and allowing for limited rocking and/or linear movement of the backing plate relative to the carrier plate against the action of the spring. A plurality of transmitting members are secured to one or the other of the carrier plate or the backing plate and project to engage the other so as to enable the transmission of force between the two plates. The arrangement of the force transmitting members is such that at least two of the force transmitting members are generally equiangularly arranged about the geometric center of the carrier plate.

Abstract: A method for generating and adjusting an image obtained based on computed tomography data using a non-linear blending function is provided. In one embodiment of the method, first image data is obtained using a first X-ray energy, and second image data is obtained using a second X-ray image energy. An image is generated by blending the first and second image data using the non-linear function. The first X-ray energy and the second X-ray energy are different.

Abstract: A pad assembly includes a carrier plate, a backing plate to one side of which is secured at least one friction pad and which is mounted on its alternate side on the carrier plate, a spring acting between the carrier plate and the backing plate and allowing for limited rocking and/or linear movement of the backing plate relative to the carrier plate against the action of the spring. A plurality of transmitting members are secured to one or the other of the carrier plate or the backing plate and project to engage the other so as to enable the transmission of force between the two plates. The arrangement of the force transmitting members is such that at least two of the force transmitting members are generally equiangularly arranged about the geometric center of the carrier plate.

Abstract: An analysis method for identifying and counting particles expressing a specific antigenic marker is proposed. One example (but not exclusive) is CD4+ T-lymphocyte analysis in blood. The method comprises obtaining a sample comprising particles in suspension, labeling the particles expressing the specific marker with an impedance label, and measuring the labeled sample using a dual frequency system to discriminate at least the labeled particles expressing the specific marker. The method allows an accurate count of particles e.g. the number CD4+ T-lymphocytes in a blood flow. A corresponding device is also provided.