Abstract: A method of and system for distributing a content item, having a plurality of segments. A composite content item is created by concatenating segments from different content items from different agencies. A segment of the composite content item may or may not already comprise a previously embedded segment watermark carrying a previously embedded segment payload. The method comprises determining if the segment already comprises a previously embedded segment watermark, and if so, logging the previously embedded segment payload in a watermark transaction log associated with the new segment payload; otherwise, embedding the new segment payload as a watermark in the segment. In the case that the segment already comprises a previously embedded segment payload, the previously embedded payload is logged in a watermark transaction log, and the previously embedded segment payload is replaced with a new segment watermark that represents the new segment payload.

Abstract: Electric power grid monitoring methods and apparatus are described. According to one aspect, an electric power grid signal processing method includes accessing a plurality of signals which are individually indicative of a characteristic of electromechanical energy within an electric power grid, using the plurality of signals, generating a composite signal, and analyzing the composite signal to provide information regarding an oscillatory mode within the electric power system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master RFID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of RFID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. Finally, the method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master RFID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of RFID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. Finally, the method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record.

Abstract: Electric power grid monitoring methods and apparatus are described. According to one aspect, an electric power grid signal processing method includes accessing a plurality of signals which are individually indicative of a characteristic of electromechanical energy within an electric power grid, using the plurality of signals, generating a composite signal, and analyzing the composite signal to provide information regarding an oscillatory mode within the electric power system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master REID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of REID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. The method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and apparatus for tracking a rotatable object. A device for tracking a rotatable object comprises a body, the body comprising a tracking portion. A device for tracking a rotatable object further comprises an attachment section connected to the body, for attaching the device to the rotatable object. The body and the attachment section are configured for balanced rotation when the rotatable object rotates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master RFID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of RFID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. The method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master RFID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of RFID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. Finally, the method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record.

Abstract: A coordination server for facilitating the presentation of health related information over an electronic communication network to a plurality of users, such that each of the plurality of users is registered with a particular pharmacy store, the coordination server comprising: a registration module configured for receiving electronic registration information of a user including user identification data and pharmacy store identification data of the particular pharmacy store at which the user is registered; a user module configured for receiving electronic personal health information of the user including current user medication information and associated user condition information; a confirmation module configured for confirming the accuracy of the electronic personal health information with at least one of a health care professional of the pharmacy store or the user; a generation module configured for generating customized health related information for the user based on the confirmed electronic personal healt

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and apparatus for tracking a rotatable object. A device for tracking a rotatable object comprises a body, the body comprising a tracking portion. A device for tracking a rotatable object further comprises an attachment section connected to the body, for attaching the device to the rotatable object. The body and the attachment section are configured for balanced rotation when the rotatable object rotates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide method and system for determining whether to effect maintenance of a vehicle component. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting an RFID read signal to an RFID device associated with at least one component of a vehicle and receiving at least one RFID response signal from the RFID device. The at least one RFID response signal includes an identifier associated with the at least one component and a sensed value of a parameter associated with the at least one component. Then, by processing the sensed value, it can be determined whether to effect maintenance of the at least one component. In some embodiments, the sensed value is generated by a sensor coupled to the RFID device. In other embodiments, the sensor is located adjacent to an expected location of the at least one component. In yet other embodiments, a location indication is utilized to determine whether to effect maintenance of the at least one component.

Abstract: A vehicular number input device used for entering fuel/energy price information into a vehicle's internal computer, mileage computer, mileage software or software monitoring system. This number input device is secured to the vehicle near the gas cap. The fuel/energy price data entered can then be displayed to show real-time fuel efficiency in terms of dollars and cents during the operation of the vehicle or when it has stopped. The optimal device claimed has the best advantage for fuel cost input since it is simple to use and inexpensive to produce. The location of the device is convenient since a user who is pumping gas/recharging power usually has a few moments to himself to enter numbers while the gas is being filled. It's the perfect opportunity to enter fuel price data into a vehicle's computer. This device provides a simple, unique and convenient option for drivers wishing to view of their vehicle's fuel expense consumption costs as it occurs.

Abstract: Dentifrice composition and method of using such dentifrice composition to ameliorate dry mouth, where the dentifrice composition includes an orally acceptable vehicle having distributed therein silicone oil beads, and wherein the dentifrice composition has a viscosity of at least about 20,000 centipoise.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master RFID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of RFID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. Finally, the method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master RFID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of RFID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals includes an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes storing each of the identifiers and, responsive to receipt of a second RFID read signal from an RFID reader, transmitting a second RFID response signal. The second RFID response signal includes data associated with the identifiers. Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to a master RFID tag comprising an RFID tag communication unit, a memory unit and an RFID reader communication unit.

Abstract: A method includes providing an auto visualization display based on at least one quantitative analysis of at least one object of interest's progress over time regarding therapy response parameters over time.

Abstract: Among other things, calibration of a signal processing system is disclosed to minimize vector mismatch between signals frequency-translated from an RF signal and conveyed along a plurality of signal paths of the signal processing system. A calibration signal having a plurality of tones is coupled to the signal processing system such that it is frequency translated. The frequency-translated calibration signal is sampled along a first signal path of the signal processing system to obtain a first set of observed samples. It is also sampled along a second signal path of the system to obtain a second set of observed samples. The first set of observed samples is filtered with an adaptive filter having a set of adaptable coefficients to obtain a set of filtered samples. The coefficients are adapted to minimize undesired deviations between the set of filtered samples and the second set of observed samples.

Abstract: A method and system for spectroscopic ellipsometry employing reflective optics to measure a small region of a sample by reflecting radiation (preferably broadband UV, visible, and near infrared radiation) from the region. The system preferably has an autofocus assembly and a processor programmed to determine from the measurements the thickness and/or complex refractive index of a thin film on the sample. Preferably, only reflective optics are employed along the optical path between the polarizer and analyzer, a sample beam reflects with low incidence angle from each component of the reflective optics, the beam is reflectively focused to a small, compact spot on the sample at a range of high incidence angles, and an incidence angle selection element is provided for selecting for measurement only radiation reflected from the sample at a single, selected angle (or narrow range of angles). The focusing mirror preferably has an elliptical shape to reduce off-axis aberrations in the focused beam.

Abstract: A method and system for spectroscopic ellipsometry employing reflective optics to measure a small region of a sample by reflecting radiation (preferably broadband UV, visible, and near infrared radiation) from the region. The system preferably has an autofocus assembly and a processor programmed to determine from the measurements the thickness and/or complex refractive index of a thin film on the sample. Preferably, only reflective optics are employed along the optical path between the polarizer and analyzer, a sample beam reflects with low incidence angle from each component of the reflective optics, the beam is reflectively focused to a small, compact spot on the sample at a range of high incidence angles, and an incidence angle selection element is provided for selecting for measurement only radiation reflected from the sample at a single, selected angle (or narrow range of angles). The focusing mirror preferably has an elliptical shape to reduce off-axis aberrations in the focused beam.