Abstract: According to some embodiments, a gaming system includes a first shaped game piece capable of receiving a reversible pigment and a second shaped game piece capable of receiving a reversible pigment. The first shaped game piece and the second shaped game piece comprise a same shape and the reversible pigment comprises a thermochromatic pigment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a facial recognition system are provided. In one embodiment, a processor determines a value for a lighting parameter associated with a captured facial image, determines whether any previously obtained images in a biometric database includes a similar value for the lighting parameter and, if not, stores the newly captured image in the database along with the lighting parameter value. In another embodiment, the processor calculates a score indicative of the likelihood that the face in the captured facial image is identical to the face of a previously obtained image in the database, determines whether the score exceeds a threshold value and, if so, generates a signal indicating a match. The processor adjusts the threshold based on one or more parameter values.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a facial recognition system are provided. In one embodiment, a processor determines a value for a lighting parameter associated with a captured facial image, determines whether any previously obtained images in a biometric database includes a similar value for the lighting parameter and, if not, stores the newly captured image in the database along with the lighting parameter value. In another embodiment, the processor calculates a score indicative of the likelihood that the face in the captured facial image is identical to the face of a previously obtained image in the database, determines whether the score exceeds a threshold value and, if so, generates a signal indicating a match. The processor adjusts the threshold based on one or more parameter values.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a facial recognition system are provided. In one embodiment, a processor determines a value for a lighting parameter associated with a captured facial image, determines whether any previously obtained images in a biometric database includes a similar value for the lighting parameter and, if not, stores the newly captured image in the database along with the lighting parameter value. In another embodiment, the processor calculates a score indicative of the likelihood that the face in the captured facial image is identical to the face of a previously obtained image in the database, determines whether the score exceeds a threshold value and, if so, generates a signal indicating a match. The processor adjusts the threshold based on one or more parameter values.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a facial recognition system are provided. In one embodiment, a processor determines a value for a lighting parameter associated with a captured facial image, determines whether any previously obtained images in a biometric database includes a similar value for the lighting parameter and, if not, stores the newly captured image in the database along with the lighting parameter value. In another embodiment, the processor calculates a score indicative of the likelihood that the face in the captured facial image is identical to the face of a previously obtained image in the database, determines whether the score exceeds a threshold value and, if so, generates a signal indicating a match. The processor adjusts the threshold based on one or more parameter values.

Abstract: A method of at least partially removing the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprising the nucleus and an annulus surrounding the nucleus is described. The method comprises the steps of: insonating the nucleus with ultrasound thereby to cause at least partial fragmentation of the nucleus; and extracting at least part of the fragmented nucleus. A system for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for measuring the surface potential of a polarized sample includes: measuring the topographic profile of the sample by scanning its surface with a tapered tip connected to a micro-lever activated at the resonance frequency of same by a piezoelectric actuator; placing the tapered tip a constant distance away from the topographic profile of the surface obtained during the previous step; and measuring the electrostatic potential of the surface. The sample is not polarized during the step of measuring the topographic profile. The sample is polarized during the measurement of the potential profile.

Abstract: A method of at least partially removing the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprising the nucleus and an annulus surrounding the nucleus is described. The method comprises the steps of : insonating the nucleus with ultrasound thereby to cause at least partial fragmentation of the nucleus; and extracting at least part of the fragmented nucleus. A system for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for controlling one or more temperature dependent optical properties of a structure in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes heating at least a portion of a photonic band-gap structure and oxidizing the portion of the photonic band-gap structure during the heating to alter at least one temperature dependent optical property of the stack.

Abstract: A method for controlling one or more temperature dependent optical properties of a structure in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes heating at least a portion of a photonic band-gap structure and oxidizing the portion of the photonic band-gap structure during the heating to alter at least one temperature dependent optical property of the stack.