Abstract: Three-dimensional user interaction is described. In one example, a virtual environment having virtual objects and a virtual representation of a user's hand with digits formed from jointed portions is generated, a point on each digit of the user's hand is tracked, and the virtual representation's digits controlled to correspond to those of the user. An algorithm is used to calculate positions for the jointed portions, and the physical forces acting between the virtual representation and objects are simulated. In another example, an interactive computer graphics system comprises a processor that generates the virtual environment, a display device that displays the virtual objects, and a camera that capture images of the user's hand. The processor uses the images to track the user's digits, computes the algorithm, and controls the display device to update the virtual objects on the display device by simulating the physical forces.

Abstract: User interface control using a keyboard is described. In an embodiment, a user interface displayed on a display device is controlled using a computer connected to a keyboard. The keyboard has a plurality of alphanumeric keys that can be used for text entry. The computer receives data comprising a sequence of key-presses from the keyboard, and generates for each key-press a physical location on the keyboard. The relative physical locations of the key-presses are compared to calculate a movement path over the keyboard. The movement path describes the path of a user's digit over the keyboard. The movement path is mapped to a sequence of coordinates in the user interface, and the movement of an object displayed in the user interface is controlled in accordance with the sequence of coordinates.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and tracking targets including body parts and props is described. In one aspect, the disclosed technology acquires one or more depth images, generates one or more classification maps associated with one or more body parts and one or more props, tracks the one or more body parts using a skeletal tracking system, tracks the one or more props using a prop tracking system, and reports metrics regarding the one or more body parts and the one or more props. In some embodiments, feedback may occur between the skeletal tracking system and the prop tracking system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ferrous object and/or magnetic field detection are provided. Embodiments can improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety and increase the safety of MRI facilities. Embodiments can detect a given magnetic field strength around a MRI machine and alert users to the field's presence. In an embodiment, the magnetic field warning system can rely on a single badge that warns its user. In another embodiment, the badge can utilize an RFID system. The RFID system can turn the badge on when it enters the MRI room and off when it leaves the MRI room. In another embodiment, a badge with a rechargeable battery and charger can be utilized with or without an RFID tag. The subject badges or other detection devices can be worn by a person, located on or near a ferrous object, embedded in clothing, or located in other positions convenient to a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ferrous object and/or magnetic field detection are provided. Embodiments can improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety and increase the safety of MRI facilities. Embodiments can detect a given magnetic field strength around a MRI machine and alert users to the field's presence. In an embodiment, the magnetic field warning system can rely on a single badge that warns its user. In another embodiment, the badge can utilize an RFID system. The RFID system can turn the badge on when it enters the MRI room and off when it leaves the MRI room. In another embodiment, a badge with a rechargeable battery and charger can be utilized with or without an RFID tag. The subject badges or other detection devices can be worn by a person, located on or near a ferrous object, embedded in clothing, or located in other positions convenient to a user.

Abstract: A seat, a chair, or a combination thereof can be part of or used in conjunction with an MRI system. The seat can be designed to allow for an MRI analysis without requiring insertion of a probe into a cavity of a patient. In one embodiment, the seat and chair can be adapted for use with a cylindrical-type MRI system. The seat and chair may be used with another type of MRI system, such as an open MRI system. The pelvic region or adjacent portion of a patient can be analyzed without the patient having to lie flat.

Abstract: A cylindrical MRI system can be configured such that a patient does not have to be in a lying position during analysis. In a particular embodiment, the patient can sit during analysis. The cylindrical MRI system can be oriented such that a central axis is not parallel to the floor, and in one embodiment, is substantially perpendicular to the floor. In one embodiment, the cylindrical MRI system can be configured to allow an object to contact the patient when the patient is within the analyzing region, even when the primary magnet is at field. In another aspect, an MRI system can include a primary magnet and a gradient coil with different types of shapes. In still another aspect, an MRI system can include a gradient coil that includes a combination of portions having different shapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ferrous object and/or magnetic field detection are provided. Embodiments can improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety and increase the safety of MRI facilities. Embodiments can detect a given magnetic field strength around a MRI machine and alert users to the field's presence. In an embodiment, the magnetic field warning system can rely on a single badge that warns its user. In another embodiment, the badge can utilize an RFID system. The RFID system can turn the badge on when it enters the MRI room and off when it leaves the MRI room. In another embodiment, a badge with a rechargeable battery and charger can be utilized with or without an RFID tag. The subject badges or other detection devices can be worn by a person, located on or near a ferrous object, embedded in clothing, or located in other positions convenient to a user.

Abstract: A resonant cable trap for use with a shielded cable having an outer shield surrounding at least one inner conductor includes first and second members and a coil defined in the outer shield. The first member has a first conductive surface coupled to the shield. The second member has a second conductive surface coupled to the shield and is disposed to overlap at least a portion of the first member. The first and second conductive surfaces define a capacitor. The capacitor is coupled to the shield in parallel with the coil. A method for tuning the resonant cable trap includes adjusting the amount of overlap between the first and second members to tune the resonant frequency of the resonant cable trap.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging. The subject method and apparatus are advantageous with respect to the use of RF coils for receiving signals in NMR scanners. The subject invention can utilize multiple coils to, for example, improve the signal to noise, increase the coverage area, and/or reduce the acquisition time. The use of multiple smaller surface or volume coils to receive NMR signals from the sample can increase the signal to noise ratio compared to a larger coil that has the same field of view and coverage area.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging. The subject method and apparatus are advantageous with respect to the use of RF coils for receiving signals in NMR scanners. The subject invention can utilize multiple coils to, for example, improve the signal to noise, increase the coverage area, and/or reduce the acquisition time. The use of multiple smaller surface or volume coils to receive NMR signals from the sample can increase the signal to noise ratio compared to a larger coil that has the same field of view and coverage area.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging. The subject method and apparatus are advantageous with respect to the use of RF coils for receiving signals in NMR scanners. The subject invention can utilize multiple coils to, for example, improve the signal to noise, increase the coverage area, and/or reduce the acquisition time. The use of multiple smaller surface or volume coils to receive NMR signals from the sample can increase the signal to noise ratio compared to a larger coil that has the same field of view and coverage area.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging. The subject method and apparatus are advantageous with respect to the use of RF coils for receiving signals in NMR scanners. The subject invention can utilize multiple coils to, for example, improve the signal to noise, increase the coverage area, and/or reduce the acquisition time. The use of multiple smaller surface or volume coils to receive NMR signals from the sample can increase the signal to noise ratio compared to a larger coil that has the same field of view and coverage area.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for supporting a surgical instrument in the operative environment of an imaging device comprises components all made of a material compatible for use in the operative environment of the imaging device. The components of the apparatus (1), made of such a material, include a member (32) that has a spherical surface and includes a bore (50) extending through the member along its diameter. A grip (26) has a grip surface (40) defining an aperture that is adapted to receive the member for rotatable movement within the aperture. The grip (26) extends around the member (32) in a circumferential path and has a gap (42) therein. A fastener (30) is operatively connected to the grip (26). The fastener (30) is adjustable to change the size of the gap (42) and adjust the compressive force applied to the received member (32) in the grip.

Abstract: An endocavity RF coil assembly for an MRI apparatus includes a reusable probe (30). The reusable probe has a hollow outer cover (60) having a closed distal end and (62) an open proximate end (64). The distal end (62) is formed to fit into a cavity of a subject being examined. An active RF coil element (72) is rigidly formed about an internal sleeve (70) which is located within the distal end (62) of the outer cover (60). A tuning and matching circuit is disposed within the outer cover (60) on the proximate end (64) side of the active RF coil element (72). The tuning and matching circuit is arranged on a printed circuit board (74) and attached to the active RF coil element (72). An over-molded form (90) is connected to the proximate end (64) of the outer cover (60). The over-molded form (90) is arranged such that it seals the proximate end (64) of the outer cover (60) closed.

Abstract: A multimode radio frequency coil (50.sub.1) receives resonance signals from a region of interest while allowing arbitrary placement of the coil. A peripheral electrical conductor (62) is divided into four symmetric segments by capacitors (76), (78), (80), (82). A pair of crossing conductors (64, 66) are connected between 90.degree. offset diagonally opposite portions of the peripheral loop (62). The crossing conductors include capacitors (68, 70) when not connected and include capacitors (68, 70, 86, 88) when connected at their midpoints. With this configuration, the coil supports orthogonal modes (72, 74) within the plane of the coil and, additionally, a third orthogonal mode (84) perpendicular to the plane of the coil. To image an extended region, a plurality of coils are overlapped to minimize mutual inductance relative to a first mode. An adjustable capacitor (90) across one of the coils adjusts mutual inductance relative to the second mode.

Abstract: A resonance exciting coil (C) disposed in an image region in which a main magnetic field and transverse gradients have been produced. A flexible receiving coil (D) includes a flexible plastic sheet (40) on which an electrically continuous flexible foil strip (36) is adhered to receive signals from the resonating nuclei. The coil also includes components (24), mounted on the flexible plastic sheet (40), which may amplify the received signals before they are transmitted along a cable (22). A first soft material layer (44) is mounted on the flexible plastic sheet (40) for providing comfort to the patient. A flexible mechanical structure (50) on which two flexible receiving coils (F, G) adjusts an overlap between the coils (F, G) as the coils are flexed to adjust interaction properties of the coils (FIGS. 4 A, 4B).

Abstract: A vertical B.sub.0 temporally constant magnetic field is defined between a pair of pole faces (12, 14) that are interconnected by a C-shaped ferrous magnetic flux path (16). A quadrature radio frequency coil array (50) is disposed in a plane orthogonal to the B.sub.0 field. The coil array includes a plurality of coils (50.sub.1, 50.sub.2, . . . ) that are disposed in a partially overlapping relationship. Each of the coils has a peripheral loop (60), preferably defined by four linear legs (60.sub.1, 60.sub.2, 60.sub.3, 60.sub.4) of equal length which define a square. A pair of crossing elements (62.sub.1, 62.sub.2) are connected with mid-points of opposite sides of the square, the opposite mid-points are 180.degree. out-of-phase with each other at the magnetic resonance frequency and 90.degree. out-of-phase with neighboring mid-points of the square. The crossing elements cross but are not connected, in a symmetric relationship. Each of the crossing elements has a radio frequency pick-up (64.sub.1, 64.sub.

Abstract: A movable patient supporting portion (10) of a patient couch (A) includes a socket (26) for receiving a mating plug (24) on a localized coil (B). The patient couch selectively inserts the localized coil and a supported patient into a bore (14) of a cryogenic magnet system (C). The localized coil includes a resistor (86) whose magnitude identifies the coil. A coil identification interrogator (84) interrogates the coil identification resistor and derives a corresponding binary coil identification. The coil identification addresses a look-up table (90) to retrieve diagnostic test information, an identification of a coil for a human-readable display, and, preferably, an identification of an isocenter of the coil. A diagnostic test unit (92) electrically tests the coil through the plug and socket connection with the diagnostic tests prescribed by the look-up table.

Abstract: A movable patient supporting portion (10) of a patient couch (A) includes a socket (26) for receiving a mating plug (24) on a localized coil (B). The patient couch selectively inserts the localized coil and a supported patient into a bore (14) of a cryogenic magnet system (C). The localized coil includes a resistor (86) whose magnitude identifies the coil. A coil identification interrogator (84) interrogates the coil identification resistor and derives a corresponding binary coil identification. The coil identification addresses a look-up table (90) to retrieve diagnostic test information, an identification of a coil for a human-readable display, and, preferably, an identification of an isocenter of the coil. A diagnostic test unit (92) electrically tests the coil through the plug and socket connection with the diagnostic tests prescribed by the look-up table.