Abstract: An apparatus for increasing readout speed for Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors. The apparatus is useful with CMOS image sensors in all high-tech industries and used to capture images digitally. Specifically, the apparatus provides a CMOS image sensor which employs an analog network-on-chip for increasing readout speed. The apparatus includes an array of carrier signal generators which are used to modulate the pixel exposure to allow all pixels to be read and discerned simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing readout speed for Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors. The apparatus is useful with CMOS image sensors in all high-tech industries and used to capture images digitally. Specifically, the apparatus provides a CMOS image sensor which employs an analog network-on-chip for increasing readout speed. The apparatus includes an array of carrier signal generators which are used to modulate the pixel exposure to allow all pixels to be read and discerned simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to improve dynamic range (DR) extension ability, signal to noise ratio (SNR) of CMOS devices. The apparatus includes a memory storage unit, a pixel array, the plurality of pixels configured to generate output based on an amount of light incident on each pixel; a comparator in communication with the pixel array, configured to convert the output to a binary code for storage in the memory storage unit; and a processor in communication with the comparator and the pixel array, configured to determine if the comparator converted the output and to reset the pixel associated with the output when the comparator converted the output. The method includes determining a plurality of digitization points based on a DR requirement; setting a capture time based on a selected digitization point; obtaining a pixel readout; and performing a first conditional digitization on the pixel readout.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing low dynamic range images from wide dynamic range images. A wide dynamic range image is first converted into a normalized image and is decomposed into a multiple Laplacian images and each of the Laplacian images is passed through one level of the process. Each level of the process has multiple sets of processing layers and produces a transition image. The various transition images form a decomposed Laplacian pyramid of the normalized image and a reconstructed image from the various Laplacian images is the low dynamic range image. Each level of the process is constructed as a neural network whose relevant filters, weights, and biases are determined by training the neural network using manually selected input and output images.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a sensor that alters its photoluminescent properties upon a binding event between a food-borne analyte and an analyte-specific aptamer (ASA). The ASA may recognize and bind the food-borne analyte, which is referred to herein as the binding event. In some embodiments of the present disclosure the ASA is a strand of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Some embodiments of the present disclosure the ASA may be conjugated with a chemically modified photoluminescent matrix material. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the food-borne analyte may be conjugated with a quencher that may be incorporated into the system for reducing false signals.

Abstract: A method of converting a wide dynamic range (WDR) image to a low dynamic range (LDR) image have the steps of: (i) obtaining a transfer function that has a plurality of sub-functions, each sub-function corresponding to a non-overlapped input interval of the dynamic range of the WDR image; (ii) determining the intensity of each pixel of the LDR image by using the transfer function and at least the intensity value of the corresponding pixel of the WDR image; and (iii) outputting the LDR image.

Abstract: System and method for generating a recommendation for an individual, based on input data related to that individual. The input data is passed to a data-abstraction module which produces preprocessed data, which is then passed to an expert module that comprises a plurality of expert units and an expert manager. Each expert unit is configured to analyze the preprocessed data with respect to a specific predefined medical area and to generate at least one treatment option related to that specific predefined medical area. The expert manager is configured to receive such treatment options from the plurality of expert units, and to generate final treatment suggestion(s) based on the recommendations. As would be understood, the expert manager can consider different factors of importance for each individual. The final treatment suggestion(s) is then presented to at least one user. In some embodiments, the various modules comprise machine-learning modules.

Abstract: An example of an apparatus and method for sampling food. The apparatus includes a sampling unit for collecting the food. The apparatus further includes a transfer unit connected to the sampling unit. In addition, the apparatus includes an extraction system and a valve disposed between the transfer chamber and the extraction chamber.

Abstract: A method of converting a wide dynamic range (WDR) image to a low dynamic range (LDR) image have the steps of: (i) obtaining a transfer function that has a plurality of sub-functions, each sub-function corresponding to a non-overlapped input interval of the dynamic range of the WDR image; (ii) determining the intensity of each pixel of the LDR image by using the transfer function and at least the intensity value of the corresponding pixel of the WDR image; and (iii) outputting the LDR image.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for minimally-invasive capillary blood extraction comprising an apparatus capable of the harnessing the energy from frequent natural mammalian movements and then converting it into forces needed to execute skin lancing, specifically an insertion of a lancet in the body of the mammal. The apparatus consists of a rotational and a translational member which work together to effectively translate an angular displacement of the rotational element caused by mammalian movements to translational displacement of a sliding element at an angle to the plane which the force from the mammal was applied in. The ability of the invention to harness free energy and efficiently use that energy for actuating a lancet and facilitating blood extraction allows for the miniaturization of blood sampling technology into a wearable device.

Abstract: A control circuit for an image sensor includes an active reset control circuit configured to perform an active reset of a light flux-dependent node (such as a photodetector) of a pixel of the image sensor using an amplifier which is also used for readout of the photodetector. The control circuit further includes a readout control circuit configured to maintain a readout configuration of the amplifier during the active reset.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for monitoring the function of sphincters in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The device of the invention includes a signal-generating device that is placed at one side of a GI sphincter, and a signal-detecting device that is placed at the other side of the GI sphincter whose function is to be monitored. The device detects and analyzes the change in the characteristics of the signals that are generated by the signal-generating device and detected by the signal-detecting device. In this manner, the signal data detected during the opening and closing of the GI sphincter can be stored in a data logger and/or can be monitored in real time.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses that may be employed to reduce noise in an electronic circuit are described. Systems are provided that include a circuit, wherein the circuit is configured to provide an active reset technique and an active column sensor readout technique. Methods for reducing circuit noise are also provided. The methods include providing a circuit configured to perform an active reset technique and an active column sensor readout technique. The methods further provide that the active reset technique and the active column sensor readout technique are both performed by the circuit. An imaging apparatus is provided that includes an array of photo-sensitive pixels, wherein each of the pixels can include a circuit configured to provide an active reset technique and an active column sensor readout technique. The active reset technique and the active column sensor readout technique are executable on the circuit.

Abstract: An orally administrable implement for expanding in a stomach of an animal, including a mammal, to fill a space in the stomach, is provided for weight control. The implement includes: a fluid-permeable expandable container having a first dimension and a second dimension; and a plurality of clusters comprising a swellable material contained within the container and capable of swelling when contacted with a fluid; whereby when the implement is ingested, the fluid in the stomach enters the container causing the clusters therein to swell and the container to expand from the first dimension to the second dimension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for minimally-invasive diagnosis of conditions within the body of an animal. In one particular embodiment, the present invention provides a method and an apparatus for utilizing intraluminally-generated signals to diagnose disorders or monitor the function of internal organ of an animal by assessing the signal transcutaneously. The signals can be electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, acoustic, ultrasonic, optical, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an orally administrable implement comprising expandable material designed specifically to swell in a targeted gastrointestinal (GI) organ of a mammai, including human to form a pseudobezoar. The said pseudobezoar is integrated with a gastrointestinal transplant, whether synthetic or obtained from a donor. Upon swelling of the pseudobezoar in targeted organ GI organ, the gastrointestinal transplant integrated with it is delivered to the targeted gastrointestinal organ in a timed and controllable fashion. In one design, a feedback mechanism reporting on the delivery timing, pattern, and details can be included.

Abstract: Orally administrable polymer-carrying units for expanding in a stomach of a mammal to fill a space in the stomach, the polymer-carrying units including: a carrier; a plurality of polymer molecules expandable in aqueous solutions, releasably coupled to the carrier; and means for selectively decoupling the polymer molecules from the carrier so that the polymer molecules and carrier are released in the stomach, are provided.

Abstract: Bezoar-forming units for forming at least one temporary bezoar in a gastrointestinal organ of an animal, including a mammal, to fill a space in the said organ, are provided for weight control. The units include biodegradable fiber-based configurations of various length and shape having a first dimension and a second dimension; whereby when the bezoar-forming units are located in the given gastrointestinal organ, at least one temporary, permeable bezoar is formed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for capsule endoscopes with tools actuated by a combination of a shape memory alloy (SMA) element and a biasing element (e.g., spring). Apparatuses and methods for biopsies actuated by an SMA element.

Abstract: Wireless capsule endoscope technology has been used to image portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly the small bowel. However in other GI organs, especially those having larger-lumens, the capsule may become destabilized and tumble, precluding meaningful interpretation of the acquired images. The present invention describes a method and apparatus for permitting capsule imaging of organs having larger-lumens without tumbling, and includes an outer shell surrounding the capsule that targets the colon, as an example. Once the colon has been reached, the shell breaks or dissolves, and allows expansion of expandable materials attached to each end of the capsule, thereby stabilizing the capsule in the targeted organ, while permitting it to be moved by peristalsis and/or other means for locating the capsule. Imagers and light emitting diodes (LEDs) are activated during the expansion process, and enable overlapping of images.