Abstract: An exhibition system configured to hold at least one image source or including at least one image source. The image source is arranged for projecting at least one image onto at least one concave semi-transparent reflector providing a magnified representation appearing in the distance beyond the semi-transparent reflector. The system has an adjuster for adjusting the distance between the concave semi-transparent reflector and the first image source and/or angle between the concave semi-transparent reflector and the first image source. The system enables the combination of the real world with magnified images, e.g. from video processing and computer vision techniques, offering a natural view of real scenes enriched with “real size” virtual objects.

Abstract: Systems and processes for operating a digital assistant are provided. In one example process, a speech input is received from a user. A user intent is determined based on the speech input. Determining the user intent includes generating text based on the speech input, performing natural language processing of the text, and determining the user intent based on a result of the natural language processing. In accordance with the user intent, status information associated with at least one of the one or more electronic devices is requested. The status information associated with the at least one of the one or more electronic devices is received. A spoken output is generated and represents the status information associated with the at least one of the one or more electronic devices. The spoken output is caused to be provided to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of predicting whether a subject's metastatic breast cancer is stable or progressive are provided. Such methods may include measuring T cell subsets in a fluid sample of the subject; and predicting whether the subject's metastatic breast cancer is likely to be stable or progressive when there is an elevated ratio of the T cell subsets. Also disclosed are methods of treating metastatic breast cancer by a conservative therapy or an aggressive therapy based on the determination of a stable or progressive cancer.

Abstract: A respiratory humidification system includes a humidifier that is capable of electronic communication with one or more other components of the system thereby permitting transfer of data or control signals between the humidifier and other components of the system. In some systems, a flow generator, such as a ventilator, is provided to supply a flow of breathing gas. The humidifier and the flow generator are capable of electronic communication with one another. In some arrangements, an operating mode or parameter of the humidifier to be set or confirmed by the flow generator, either automatically or manually through a user interface of the flow generator. The humidifier can also utilize data provided by the flow generator or other system component, such as an incubator, to set or confirm an operating mode or parameter of the humidifier. In some arrangements, a user interface of the humidifier can display data from another system component, such as a nebulizer or pulse oximeter.

Abstract: A method of determining the point-spread function (PSF) of an imaging system includes the steps of capturing image data, establishing an idealized source spot, establishing a functional form model, subtracting the captured image from the estimated image equation and determining a metric that measures the fit of the estimated image to the captured image. The functional form model may include both diffraction and aberration and stray light. The functional form model may be optimized to reduce the metric to an acceptable level.

Abstract: A reservoir pressure in an underground formation surrounding a well is analyzed based on a direct measurement of the pressure at the wall of the well using the permeability of mud cake on the wall of the well in the region in which the pressure measurement is made; determining the thickness of mud cake on the well of the well; determining the hydrostatic pressure in the well in the region in which the pressure measurement is made; calculating a pressure decay index from the mud cake permeability and thickness, the hydrostatic pressure and the measured pressure; and using the pressure decay index to analyze the measured pressure to derive the reservoir pressure.

Abstract: A method of monitoring product identification at a transaction terminal by sending either visible light signals, near infra-red light signals or wireless signals to a recording device that records video footage of a transaction terminal in conjunction received product identification information. A system for effecting the method along with light based and wireless transmitting units are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for observing the behavior of ants and other similar organisms comprises housings having tubular connection ports for interconnection through flexible tubes and mounting legs for mounting the housings in an assembly in space with the housings spaced from one another.

Abstract: A method of determining the point-spread function (PSF) of an imaging system includes the steps of capturing image data, establishing an idealized source spot, establishing a functional form model, subtracting the captured image from the estimated image equation and determining a metric that measures the fit of the estimated image to the captured image. The functional form model may include both diffraction and aberration and stray light. The functional form model may be optimized to reduce the metric to an acceptable level.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include photobioreactors with membranes to introduce carbon dioxide into media contained within film photobioreactors. Such membranes can also be used to remove dissolved oxygen from the media. In some embodiments, one or more membrane tubes are welded into a plastic film photobioreactor to make a one-piece reactor. According to some embodiments of the present invention, algae is grown in a photobioreactor using pressure, gas composition, and surface area along with sparging to control the pH in the photobioreactor.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of nickel and/or cobalt from an impure nickel, cobalt or mixed nickel/cobalt material including the steps of: a) providing a nickel, cobalt or mixed nickel/cobalt material; and b) contacting the nickel, cobalt or mixed nickel/cobalt material with a feed ammoniacal ammonium carbonate solution and a reductant in a leach step.

Abstract: A method of analysing a reservoir pressure in an underground formation surrounding a well, comprising: determining the permeability of mud cake on the wall of the well in the region in which the pressure measurement is made; determining the thickness of mud cake on the well of the well in the region in which the pressure measurement is made; determining the hydrostatic pressure in the well in the region in which the pressure measurement is made; measuring the formation pressure at the wall of the well; calculating a pressure decay index from the mud cake permeability and thickness, the hydrostatic pressure and the measured pressure; and using the pressure decay index to analyse the measured pressure to derive the reservoir pressure.

Abstract: A method of producing multiple beverage products from a solution is presented. The method comprises providing the solution in a first container, with the solution having a concentration of a dissolved component. A portion of the solution is provided to a second container, and the portion of the solution in the second container is separated into a permeate and a retentate. The permeate has a lower concentration of the dissolved component and the retentate has a higher concentration of the dissolved component. The permeate is fed back into the first container to form a mixture of solution and permeate in the first container. A portion of the mixture is circulated with a portion of the retentate in the second container, forming a combination. The combination is then separated. The process may be repeated with the permeate from the combination separation being fed back to the first container, while the retentate from the separation of the combination is fed back into the second container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display device that enhances spatial aspects of three-dimensional objects recorded and displayed on two-dimensional surfaces. A display device according to the invention comprises a pyramid-like part and display means (801). The pyramid-like part has semi-transparent, partly reflective facets (1501-1504). The display means provides images to be reflected on the facets (1501-1504) of the pyramid-like part. Methods are provided for recording and displaying picture angle recordings on a display device according to the invention.

Abstract: An induced polarization (IP) data acquisition system includes a plurality of linearly spaced apart measurement nodes or obtaining synchronized measurement signals indicative of the electric field strength at a corresponding plurality of spaced apart locations at or adjacent to a surface of a first geological body. A reference node obtains reference signals indicative of the magnetic field strength at a location at or adjacent to a surface of a second geological body that is spaced apart from body. The reference signals are synchronized with the measurement signals. A processing center is responsive to the measurement signals and the reference signals for deriving a transfer function for body. System is configured for deriving survey data that is indicative of one or more geophysical properties of a body and use is made of the transfer function referred to above to more accurately derive the survey data.

Abstract: A method for energy and chemical species utility management having an integrated software system and infrastructure arrangements configured to manage one or more levels of utilities operation, arranged in co-operative fashion to achieve collective goals.

Abstract: Images are projected onto a projection medium including a screen, which forms an open, light-penetrable structure having a plurality of light-reflecting surface parts. The projection medium may include a screen that is perforated or net-like, such as tulle or bridal veil, or that includes transparent and opaque or light-reflecting areas. The projection screen may be positioned within a shop or another room having a show window or display window spaced from the screen. A control device, such as a touch screen, for controlling the operation of the projector, may be positioned so as to be accessible to a viewer outside the room.