Abstract: Light-modifying elements of a multi-dimensional barcode are arranged along first and second directions that are orthogonal to each other in a pattern that stores first and second quantities of information stored in the barcode. Some of the elements have different elevations along a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and second directions to store a third quantity of the information. Some of the elements are colored to store a fourth quantity of the information. A surrounding medium at least partially encases at least some of the elements. The surrounding medium has a characteristic that stores a fifth quantity of the information.

Abstract: A computer-based method for generating a context preserving mapping of tubular structures represented by a 3D dataset having the steps of projecting a skeleton of a 3D tubular structure on to a 2D plane, and adjusting the projected skeleton to correct projection imbued distortion in skeleton length. The 2D projected skeleton is processed to remove intersections, and a surface boundary around the 2D skeleton is determined for the map. The 3D surface of the skeleton is mapped to match the 3D boundary to create a 3D map of the tubular structure.

Abstract: Unauthorized products are prevented from being sold on online websites. Product identifier keys and private authentication keys are stored in a database of an authentication server. Each identifier key serves as an address for its corresponding authentication key in the database. A product and a security seal are displayed on a webpage served by a website. An identifier key and an authentication key for the displayed product are encoded into the security seal. In response to selecting the security seal, the website extracts the encoded identifier key and authentication keys, and sends them to the database. The authentication server determines whether the displayed product is genuine and authorized when a match is made between the extracted keys and the stored keys.

Abstract: A soldier pile wall for shoring an excavation site includes a plurality of drilled shafts drilled along an edge of the excavation site, a plurality of soldier piles, each of the plurality of soldier piles being positioned within a respective drilled shaft, and a pre-stressing system coupled to at least some of the plurality of soldier piles. The pre-stressing system is configured to induce stresses to counteract working stresses of the soldier pile wall. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for detecting a disease of a prostate. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include receiving an image dataset acquired with at least one acquisition mode; segmenting a region of interest including the prostate from the dataset; applying conformal mapping to map the region of interest to a canonical shape; generating a 3D visualization of the prostate using the canonically mapped dataset; and applying computer aided detection (CAD) to the canonically mapped volume to detect a region of disease of the organ.

Abstract: A soldier pile wall for shoring an excavation site includes a plurality of drilled shafts drilled along an edge of the excavation site, a plurality of soldier piles, each of the plurality of soldier piles being positioned within a respective drilled shaft, and a pre-stressing system coupled to at least some of the plurality of soldier piles. The pre-stressing system is configured to induce stresses to counteract working stresses of the soldier pile wall. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A computer-based method for generating a context preserving mapping of tubular structures represented by a 3D dataset having the steps of projecting a skeleton of a 3D tubular structure on to a 2D plane, and adjusting the projected skeleton to correct projection imbued distortion in skeleton length. The 2D projected skeleton is processed to remove intersections, and a surface boundary around the 2D skeleton is determined for the map. The 3D surface of the skeleton is mapped to match the 3D boundary to create a 3D map of the tubular structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for registration of scans of an object, such as a biological organ, by obtaining scans of the object that includes a first scan obtained with the object in a first position and a second scan obtained with the object in a second position different from the first position, extracting landmarks within each of the scans, flattening each of the scans, detecting feature points of each of the flattened scans, matching corresponding feature points of each of the flattened scans, performing a harmonic map registration using the matched corresponding feature points and displaying the registered scans.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for detecting a disease of a prostate. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include receiving an image dataset acquired with at least one acquisition mode; segmenting a region of interest including the prostate from the dataset; applying conformal mapping to map the region of interest to a canonical shape; generating a 3D visualization of the prostate using the canonically mapped dataset; and applying computer aided detection (CAD) to the canonically mapped volume to detect a region of disease of the organ.

Abstract: The present invention is an occlusion device having a centering arm network that self-centers across a defect and can be retrieved and redeployed in situ. A self centering system allows the center of the occlusion device to remain properly positioned within the defect, which increases the effectiveness of the occlusion device. The self centering system is comprised of a plurality of centering arms which define a flexible intermediate zone. In addition, the occlusion device of the present invention has a plurality of right arms connected to the plurality of centering arms which make it possible to retrieve and redeploy the occlusion device in situ.

Abstract: Virtually augmented endoscopy includes overlaying optical endoscopy image data with a virtual endoscopy model. Image distortion in the optical endoscopy image data can be substantially reduced. Features in the virtual endoscopy model can be correlated with features in the optical endoscopy image data to improve examination performance. A correlation path through the virtual endoscopy model can be determined that reasonably follows the physical path of an endoscope. A 2D or 3D correlation model can be generated from the image data and correlated to the virtual endoscopy model. Correlation between the scan data domain and the image data domain can use either the correlation path, correlation model or a combination thereof. CAD tools and other features of virtual endoscopy can then be applied to enhance the performance of optical endoscopy.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a spring connector and a safety tether. The flexible spring connector gives the center assembly improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart. The safety tether serves to further ensure the structural integrity of the center assembly.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a flexible section formed by a wire connector. The flexible wire connector gives the occlusion device improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

Abstract: This invention relates to an occlusion device for the closure of physical defects. The occlusion device is capable of self-centering itself in the defect. This allows the center of the occluder to remain properly positioned in the defect, while maintaining a low profile against the tissue.