Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring group behavior are provided. Group behavior of different groups may be measured objectively and automatically in different environments including a dark environment. A uniform visible signal comprising images of members of a group may be obtained. Facial motion and body motions of each member may be detected and analyzed from the signal. Group behavior may be measured by aggregating facial motions and body motions of all members of the group. A facial motion such as a smile may be detected by using the Fourier Lucas-Kanade (FLK) algorithm to register and track faces of each member of a group. A flow-profile for each member of the group is generated. Group behavior may be further analyzed to determine a correlation of the group behavior and the content of the stimulus. A prediction of the general public's response to the stimulus based on the analysis of the group behavior is also provided.

Abstract: Close proximity, including conversations at closer than three (3) feet apart, facilitates disease transfer via airborne pathogens. This transfer can be mitigated by the present invention, which is directed towards methods, systems and apparatuses to produce a predictably shaped and minimally intrusive air barrier that may comprise an airborne disinfectant, to divert and or render harmless and to divert and negate close proximity airborne pathogens, such as influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome, etc., and other airborne particulates transferred from an infected person towards the face of an unfortunate recipient at normal conversational distances apart from each other, and/or to divert and render harmless such airborne particulates.

Abstract: Close proximity, including conversations at closer than three (3) feet apart, facilitates disease transfer via airborne pathogens. This transfer can be mitigated by the present invention, which is directed towards methods, systems and apparatuses to produce a predictably shaped and minimally intrusive air barrier that may comprise an airborne disinfectant, to divert and or render harmless and to divert and negate close proximity airborne pathogens, such as influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome, etc., and other airborne particulates transferred from an infected person towards the face of an unfortunate recipient at normal conversational distances apart from each other, and/or to divert and render harmless such airborne particulates.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring group behavior are provided. Group behavior of different groups may be measured objectively and automatically in different environments including a dark environment. A uniform visible signal comprising images of members of a group may be obtained. Facial motion and body motions of each member may be detected and analyzed from the signal. Group behavior may be measured by aggregating facial motions and body motions of all members of the group. A facial motion such as a smile may be detected by using the Fourier Lucas-Kanade (FLK) algorithm to register and track faces of each member of a group. A flow-profile for each member of the group is generated. Group behavior may be further analyzed to determine a correlation of the group behavior and the content of the stimulus. A prediction of the general public's response to the stimulus based on the analysis of the group behavior is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns image processing that includes the estimation of the optical depths of points in image data in order to enhance the image data. In particular but not limited to, from the optical depth noise present in the image due to aerosol in the scene, such as fog or haze, can be reduced. The invention concerns determining a first cost for each point independently based on a determined metric (60) and then a second cost based on an expected correlation in neighboring points (70). The two costs are then optimized (80) to determine an estimated optical depth for each point (80) that is then used to reduce the effect of aerosol in the image (84). Applications of the invention include, but is not limited to, surveillance systems so that objects in the scene of the image can be better identified once the image data has been enhanced to reduce the estimated noise. Aspects of the invention include a method, software, computer apparatus and a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: The invention concerns image processing that includes the estimation of the optical depths of points in image data in order to enhance the image data. In particular but not limited to, from the optical depth noise present in the image due to aerosol in the scene, such as fog or haze, can be reduced. The invention concerns determining.a first cost for each point independently based on a determined metric (60) and then a second cost based on an expected correlation in neighbouring points (70). The two costs are then optimized (80) to determine an estimated optical depth for each point (80) that is then used to reduce the effect of aerosol in the image (84). Applications of the invention include, but is not limited to, surveillance systems so that objects in the scene of the image can be better identified once the image data has been enhanced to reduce the estimated noise. Aspects of the invention include a method, software, computer apparatus and a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A system and method of managing numerous facets of work relationships. In a preferred form, the system provides end-to-end integration of the contract resourcing process (“requisition to check”) for a multitude of clients and a multitude of service providers.

Abstract: A method and instrument for raising finance from generating and trading identifiable plural ownership rights in assets, such as intellectual property, or other properties and any associated rights or benefits, such as profit streams. An exemplary method comprising generating a plurality of identifiable ownership rights and facilitating the buying and selling of said identifiable rights to members of the public and others. An exemplary instrument comprises a plurality of identifiable ownership rights enabling plural ownership of an asset or property and any associated rights or benefits by members of the public and other entities. The asset or property may be defined to be intellectual property or some other property, benefit or other associated right owned by a seller, member of the public or other entity and capable of generating a profit stream or some other benefit. This methods advantages include raising finance for sellers, and enabling the public to participate.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing long DNA constructs from oligonucleotide precursors directly within a microfluidic device uses several oligonucleotides at once. A precursor mix containing at least two oligonucleotide precursors with at least partial base complementarity is introduced into an input of a microfluidic chip and at least one cycle of at least one gene synthesis protocol are applied to fabricate a DNA construct containing the sequence of at least two oligonucleotide precursors. A method for the synthesis of a modified DNA construct includes electroporating at least one oligonucleotide encoding for at least one point mutation and having homology with at least one DNA region of a target cell into the target cell and incorporating the oligonucleotide into the target cell DNA through the action of recombination protein beta or a recombination protein beta functional homolog.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to nucleic acid synthesis, in particular DNA synthesis. More particularly, the invention relates to the production of long nucleic acid molecules with precise user control over sequence content. This invention also relates to the prevention and/or removal of errors within nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to nucleic acid synthesis, in particular DNA synthesis. More particularly, the invention relates to the production of long nucleic acid molecules with precise user control over sequence content. This invention also relates to the prevention and/or removal of errors within nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Inhibitors of HIV membrane fusion and a method of identifying drugs or agents which inhibit binding of the N-helix coiled-coil and the C helix of HIV gp41 envelope protein.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive wagering from a remote location. The invention may preferably be implemented on a multi-purpose device, and preferably uses a multi-purpose communication means, such that a dedicated terminal and/or dedicated line are not required. Various customizable features may be provided, allowing for user-friendly, interactive wagering and related communications between the remote location and an event location over a network, which may further include content locations and server locations, among others.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatuses for modifying the air of a localized zone to suit personal comfort. This invention includes the heating or cooling of the air in the localized zone with a novel apparatus and inhibiting the concurrent release of byproduct air at undesirable temperatures while using a heat pump. The apparatus includes a thermal storage mass that provides a reservoir for the undesirable heating or cooling effects for later restoration. This restoration would occur at a predetermined time in predetermined amounts, typically when the localized zone is unoccupied.

Abstract: A remote control handset (10) is provided for remote operation of a first item of electrical apparatus, such as a television set (2). The handset (10) has means for sending a signal to the TV set (2) to control at least one function thereof. The remote control handset (10) operates at least one further item of electrical apparatus, such as a broadcast data receiver (BDR) (4), and the TV set and the BDR communicate via a SCART connector. The remote control handset (10) is able to operate the BDR and the TV set by actuating the function switching pin (pin 8) (14) of the SCART connector.

Abstract: Efficient apparatus and methods are disclosed for interfacing active thermal stores, or cooling loops, to a secondary water loop for decreasing the temperature of an airflow by providing a continuously regenerating water loop that directs chilled water onto a thermally conductive heat exchanger, said loop further comprising supplying water for the loop by collecting water from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatuses for modifying the air of a localized zone to suit personal comfort. This invention includes the heating or cooling of the air in the localized zone with a novel apparatus and inhibiting the concurrent release of byproduct air at undesirable temperatures while using a heat pump. The apparatus includes a thermal storage mass that provides a reservoir for the undesirable heating or cooling effects for later restoration. This restoration would occur at a predetermined time in predetermined amounts, typically when the localized zone is unoccupied.

Abstract: Efficient apparatus and methods are disclosed for interfacing active thermal stores, or cooling loops, to a secondary water loop for decreasing the temperature of an airflow by providing a continuously regenerating water loop that directs chilled water onto a thermally conductive heat exchanger, said loop further comprising supplying water for the loop by collecting water from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively heating and/or cooling a preselected compartment of a vehicle by providing a substantially overlapping heating circuit and cooling circuit able to be activated to control temperatures for extended periods without running the vehicle engine.