Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for generating synthetic data with simulated handwriting, such as for training or evaluating a computer vision process, for instance. Some embodiments are particularly directed to creating simulated handwriting based on input text. For example, attributes of various glyphs included in typefaces stored in a vectorized graphics format may be randomized to produce randomized glyphs. The randomized glyphs may then be used to replace glyphs in an input text to generate simulated handwriting for the input text. In some embodiments, simulated handwriting may be overlaid with a background image to produce a synthetic handwriting image. In some such embodiments, noise may be introduced into the synthetic handwriting image to generate synthetic data comprising the simulated handwriting. In one embodiment, the synthetic data may simulate a handwritten check that is used to train or evaluate an optical character recognition process.

Abstract: A smart pet collar device comprising a housing containing a camera module, GPS module, wireless communication module, and a power source. The device includes an adjustable mounting mechanism with a linear track and rotating wheel, allowing the camera module to be positioned at an adjustable offset relative to a collar. The housing is secured to the collar through an attachment mechanism that permits repositioning. A control module within the housing interfaces with the camera module, GPS module, and wireless communication module, and is configured to connect with a remote device. The device facilitates real-time video streaming and GPS tracking for pets.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for generating synthetic data with simulated handwriting, such as for training or evaluating a computer vision process, for instance. Some embodiments are particularly directed to creating simulated handwriting based on input text. For example, attributes of various glyphs included in typefaces stored in a vectorized graphics format may be randomized to produce randomized glyphs. The randomized glyphs may then be used to replace glyphs in an input text to generate simulated handwriting for the input text. In some embodiments, simulated handwriting may be overlaid with a background image to produce a synthetic handwriting image. In some such embodiments, noise may be introduced into the synthetic handwriting image to generate synthetic data comprising the simulated handwriting. In one embodiment, the synthetic data may simulate a handwritten check that is used to train or evaluate an optical character recognition process.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for generating synthetic data with simulated handwriting, such as for training or evaluating a computer vision process, for instance. Some embodiments are particularly directed to creating simulated handwriting based on input text. For example, attributes of various glyphs included in typefaces stored in a vectorized graphics format may be randomized to produce randomized glyphs. The randomized glyphs may then be used to replace glyphs in an input text to generate simulated handwriting for the input text. In some embodiments, simulated handwriting may be overlaid with a background image to produce a synthetic handwriting image. In some such embodiments, noise may be introduced into the synthetic handwriting image to generate synthetic data comprising the simulated handwriting. In one embodiment, the synthetic data may simulate a handwritten check that is used to train or evaluate an optical character recognition process.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for generating synthetic data with simulated handwriting, such as for training or evaluating a computer vision process, for instance. Some embodiments are particularly directed to creating simulated handwriting based on input text. For example, attributes of various glyphs included in typefaces stored in a vectorized graphics format may be randomized to produce randomized glyphs. The randomized glyphs may then be used to replace glyphs in an input text to generate simulated handwriting for the input text. In some embodiments, simulated handwriting may be overlaid with a background image to produce a synthetic handwriting image. In some such embodiments, noise may be introduced into the synthetic handwriting image to generate synthetic data comprising the simulated handwriting. In one embodiment, the synthetic data may simulate a handwritten check that is used to train or evaluate an optical character recognition process.

Abstract: A collection device for a biological sample to capture target compounds such as viruses or other pathogens or particles for testing from within the sample and move the captured target compound to a separate chamber for subsequent processing. The collection device can include an openable substance blister including capture particles located in a cup interior. Capture particles can attract and bind the target compounds from the sample. An extraction tube extracts any nucleic acid from the target compound for storage or subsequent amplification and testing to confirm presence of known microorganisms. The extraction tube can comprise a heat-deformable material and can be connected to a microfluidic cartridge for further processing of nucleic acid including, amplification and detection. The microfluidic cartridge includes valves and a plurality of chambers for amplification.

Abstract: A collection device for a biological sample to capture target compounds such as viruses or other pathogens or particles for testing from within the sample and move the captured target compound to a separate chamber for subsequent processing. The collection device can include an openable substance blister including capture particles located in a cup interior. Capture particles can attract and bind the target compounds from the sample. An extraction tube extracts any nucleic acid from the target compound for storage or subsequent amplification and testing to confirm presence of known microorganisms. The extraction tube can comprise a heat-deformable material and can be connected to a microfluidic cartridge for further processing of nucleic acid including, amplification and detection. The microfluidic cartridge includes valves and a plurality of chambers for amplification.

Abstract: A collection device for a biological sample to capture target compounds such as viruses or other pathogens or particles for testing from within the sample and move the captured target compound to a separate chamber for subsequent processing. The collection device can include an openable substance blister including capture particles located in a cup interior. Capture particles can attract and bind the target compounds from the sample. An extraction tube extracts any nucleic acid from the target compound for storage or subsequent amplification and testing to confirm presence of known microorganisms. The extraction tube can comprise a heat-deformable material and can be connected to a microfluidic cartridge for further processing of nucleic acid including, amplification and detection. The microfluidic cartridge includes valves and a plurality of chambers for amplification.

Abstract: A portable electronic alcohol-testing device is provided that uses vaporization and sensitive pressure guages to approximate the alcohol content of a solution. The device may be used, for example, to determine the relative alcohol content of a mixed beverage.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge can include at least one nucleic acid analysis portion. Each nucleic acid analysis portion can include a fluidic network being configured for micro-liter volumes or less, a sample input at the beginning of the fluidic network, a plurality of vent ports and fluidic channels in the fluidic network configured to effectuate hydrodynamic movement within the fluidic network, an extraction mixture reservoir in the fluidic network, a mixing chamber in the fluidic network, an amplification chamber in the fluidic network, and a separation channel in the fluidic network. A nucleic acid analyzer can be capable of performing nucleic acid analysis using the microfluidic cartridge. A nucleic acid analysis method can be performed using the microfluidic cartridge.

Abstract: A portable electronic alcohol-testing device is provided that uses vaporization and sensitive pressure guages to approximate the alcohol content of a solution. The device may be used, for example, to determine the relative alcohol content of a mixed beverage.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge can include at least one nucleic acid analysis portion. Each nucleic acid analysis portion can include a fluidic network being configured for micro-liter volumes or less, a sample input at the beginning of the fluidic network, a plurality of vent ports and fluidic channels in the fluidic network configured to effectuate hydrodynamic movement within the fluidic network, an extraction mixture reservoir in the fluidic network, a mixing chamber in the fluidic network, an amplification chamber in the fluidic network, and a separation channel in the fluidic network. A nucleic acid analyzer can be capable of performing nucleic acid analysis using the microfluidic cartridge. A nucleic acid analysis method can be performed using the microfluidic cartridge.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge can include at least one nucleic acid analysis portion. Each nucleic acid analysis portion can include a fluidic network being configured for micro-liter volumes or less, a sample input at the beginning of the fluidic network, a plurality of vent ports and fluidic channels in the fluidic network configured to effectuate hydrodynamic movement within the fluidic network, an extraction mixture reservoir in the fluidic network, a mixing chamber in the fluidic network, an amplification chamber in the fluidic network, and a separation channel in the fluidic network. A nucleic acid analyzer can be capable of performing nucleic acid analysis using the microfluidic cartridge. A nucleic acid analysis method can be performed using the microfluidic cartridge.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of thermophilic proteases in combination with mesophilic enzymes, including such use in improved methods for isolation, purification, diagnostic, analytical and manufacturing techniques. In particular, the uses and methods of the invention will facilitate improved purification, diagnostic, analytical and manufacturing techniques, especially those in the field of molecular biology, by providing means of removing contamination and/or undesired constituents, and/or by simplifying the techniques.

Abstract: A DNA analysis system 10 includes a thermal cycler 12 operable as an extraction stage for extracting DNA from a sample to be tested and an as amplification stage for replicating identically a region of interest in DNA strands extracted from the sample. A predetermined proteinase is used in the thermal cycler 12 at least in the extraction stage. A purification stage 22 purifies the amplified material from the thermal cycler 12. An analysis stage 88 analyses the purified sample to obtain genetic information relating to the sample.

Abstract: Waste products which are to be disposed of by burial, are mixed with a hardening substance in bags which are wrapped around circular or approximately circular frames. The circular shape enables efficient mixing. The bagged frames are placed in a rectangular mould and the bags then filled and the contents mixed by stirring; the wrappings are released and the mixes settle into the shape of the rectangular interior of the mold and fill it, thus adopting the most efficient storage shape.