Abstract: An exemplary character interaction system located at a first site receives character behavior data representative of captured behavior of a real-world performer located at a second site. Based on the character behavior data, the system presents, to an interactive user at the first site, a representation of a virtual character avatar that performs, in real-time synchrony with the real-world performer at the second site, the captured behavior of the real-world performer. During this presentation of the virtual character avatar, the system provides user video data representative of captured behavior of the interactive user for presentation to the real-world performer to allow the real-world performer to interact in real time with the interactive user via the virtual character avatar. The system also generates an augmented representation of an interaction between the virtual character avatar and the interactive user for presentation to a non-interactive observer.

Abstract: An exemplary character interaction system located at a first site receives character behavior data representative of captured behavior of a real-world performer located at a second site. Based on the character behavior data, the system presents, to an interactive user at the first site, a representation of a virtual character avatar that performs, in real-time synchrony with the real-world performer at the second site, the captured behavior of the real-world performer. During this presentation of the virtual character avatar, the system provides user video data representative of captured behavior of the interactive user for presentation to the real-world performer to allow the real-world performer to interact in real time with the interactive user via the virtual character avatar. The system also generates an augmented representation of an interaction between the virtual character avatar and the interactive user for presentation to a non-interactive observer.

Abstract: An achievement server may provide descriptions or specifications of virtual environment achievements to a user. A user may report to the achievement server the user's virtual achievements. This report may include verification of such virtual achievements. Based on the reported virtual achievements, the achievement server may unlock products or services for the user. In one embodiment, the achievement server may unlock tier-1 shoes (e.g., red shoes) for the highest level of achievement, tier-2 shoes (e.g., blue shoes) for the next-highest level of achievement, tier-3 shoes (e.g., orange shoes) for the next-highest level of achievement, tier-4 shoes (e.g., yellow shoes) for the next-highest level of achievement, and tier-5 shoes (e.g., green shoes) for the next-highest level of achievement.

Abstract: Custom LED light panel displays (20, 20a, 20b) are provided, equipped with transparent media covers (22), replaceable, image-bearing media sheets (24), and support and illumination assemblies (26) having backing panels (38) supporting the sheets (24). The sheets (24) are located between the covers (22) and the backing panels (38), and can be readily replaced without disassembly of the displays (20, 20a, 20b). The displays (20, 20a, 20b) are illuminated by means of peripheral LED lights (86) disposed about central panel sections (50) forming a part of the backing panels (38). The LED-emitted light may be4 scattered or changed in color to achieve different illumination patterns.

Abstract: A circuit for determining a polarization of a gas. The circuit includes a polarimetry circuit having an NMR coil that is configured to excite a polarized gas and that is responsive to an electromagnetic signal generated by the excited, polarized gas. The polarimetry circuit has a reproducible polarization measurement variability of less than about 2% when the NMR coil is exposed to a temperature in a range of about 0° C. to about 200° C.

Abstract: A system for determining polarization of a gas comprises a container that contains the polarized gas. An oscillator circuit comprises an Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) coil that is positioned adjacent to the container. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate an electrical pulse that may be transmitted to an optical cell through the NMR coil to excite the polarized gas responsive to a control processor. A Q-reduction circuit that is independent of the pulse generator circuit is configured to reduce oscillations in the oscillator circuit from the transmitted electrical pulse responsive to the control processor. A receive circuit is responsive to an electrical signal that is induced in the oscillator circuit due to the electromagnetic excitation of the polarized gas. The control processor is configured to determine the polarization of the gas based on the output signal of the receive circuit.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system produces a treatment beam that is detected by an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) after it passes through the subject being treated. A chopper wheel modulates low energy components of the beam while leaving the higher energy components substantially unmodulated. Modulated components in the image signals produced by the EPID are detected and used to produce portal images.

Abstract: A system for determining polarization of a gas comprises a container that contains the polarized gas. An oscillator circuit comprises an Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) coil that is positioned adjacent to the container. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate an electrical pulse that may be transmitted to an optical cell through the NMR coil to excite the polarized gas responsive to a control processor. A Q-reduction circuit that is independent of the pulse generator circuit is configured to reduce oscillations in the oscillator circuit from the transmitted electrical pulse responsive to the control processor. A receive circuit is responsive to an electrical signal that is induced in the oscillator circuit due to the electromagnetic excitation of the polarized gas. The control processor is configured to determine the polarization of the gas based on the output signal of the receive circuit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, assemblies, computer program products and devices produce hyperpolarized gas by: (a) providing a plurality of cells (30), each having a respective quantity of target gas held therein; (b) polarizing the target gas in and/or from the cells in a desired order to provide separate batches of polarized gas; and (c) repolarizing the previously polarized target gas held in least one of the cells when the polarization level falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for determining polarization of a gas comprises a container that contains the polarized gas. An oscillator circuit comprises an NMR coil that is positioned adjacent to the container. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate an electrical pulse that may be transmitted to the optical cell through the NMR coil to excite the polarized gas responsive to a control processor. A Q-reduction circuit that is independent of the pulse generator circuit is configured to reduce oscillations in the oscillator circuit from the transmitted electrical pulse responsive to the control processor. A receive circuit is responsive to an electrical signal that is induced in the oscillator circuit due to the electromagnetic excitation of the polarized gas. The control processor is configured to determine the polarization of the gas based on the output signal of the receive circuit.

Abstract: A system for determining polarization of a gas comprises a container that contains the polarized gas. An oscillator circuit comprises an NMR coil that is positioned adjacent to the container. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate an electrical pulse that may be transmitted to the optical cell through the NMR coil to excite the polarized gas responsive to a control processor. A Q-reduction circuit that is independent of the pulse generator circuit is configured to reduce oscillations in the oscillator circuit from the transmitted electrical pulse responsive to the control processor. A receive circuit is responsive to an electrical signal that is induced in the oscillator circuit due to the electromagnetic excitation of the polarized gas. The control processor is configured to determine the polarization of the gas based on the output signal of the receive circuit.

Abstract: A device for simulating a sample of gas having a specific level of polarization when measured by a NMR pickup coil includes an active circuit loosely coupled to the NMR pickup coil. The active circuit responds as a hyperpolarized gas having the specific level of polarization when measured by the NMR pickup coil.

Abstract: A pumping system for hyperpolarized gases employs a reversible fluid flow against a deflectable gas transport bladder. Inflation and deflation of the gas transport bladder is operably associated with valves for directing the flow of the hyperpolarized gas. A second gas transport bladder may be operably associated with additional valving so as to provide more continuous hyperpolarized gas flow. The first and second gas transport bladders may be arranged in-line with a reversible pumping mechanism.

Abstract: A device for simulating a sample of gas having a specific level of polarization when measured by a NMR pickup coil includes an active circuit loosely coupled to the NMR pickup coil. The active circuit responds as a hyperpolarized gas having the specific level of polarization when measured by the NMR pickup coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing a magnetic holding field about a chamber for accumulating frozen 129Xe. The apparatus includes a magnetic field source and a yoke for supporting the magnetic field source about the chamber. The magnetic field source provides a magnetic holding field having a field strength of greater than 2 kiloGauss. The apparatus may further include yoke for coupling the magnetic holding field through a portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A system for determining polarization of a gas comprises a container that contains the polarized gas. An oscillator circuit comprises an NMR coil that is positioned adjacent to the container. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate an electrical pulse that may be transmitted to the optical cell through the NMR coil to excite the polarized gas responsive to a control processor. A Q-reduction circuit that is independent of the pulse generator circuit is configured to reduce oscillations in the oscillator circuit from the transmitted electrical pulse responsive to the control processor. A receive circuit is responsive to an electrical signal that is induced in the oscillator circuit due to the electromagnetic excitation of the polarized gas. The control processor is configured to determine the polarization of the gas based on the output signal of the receive circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing a magnetic holding field about a chamber for accumulating frozen 129Xe. The apparatus includes a magnetic field source and a yoke for supporting the magnetic field source about the chamber. The magnetic field source provides a magnetic holding field having a field strength of greater than 2 kiloGauss. The apparatus may further include yoke for coupling the magnetic holding field through a portion of the chamber.