Abstract: In a system and method of patient flow and treatment management, information regarding a patient admitted to a first unit of a patient treatment facility that is received into a first one of a number of user devices is dispatched to a server computer. Upon receipt of this patient information the server computer runs (desirably in real-time) a prediction application/algorithm that predicts an estimate of (1) the patient needing a resource in the first unit or a second unit of the facility, (2) a length of time before the patient needs the resource, and/or (3) an identity of the unit that has the needed resource. The server computer then dispatches (again, desirably in real-time) one or more of the predictions to one or more of the user devices, each of which receives and displays the prediction on a display thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting statistically probable systematically assigned identifiers are disclosed, as are methods and systems for determining the likelihood that a systematically assigned identifier provided by a purported assignee of the identifier is legitimate. In one example, determining the likelihood of legitimacy includes determining the likelihood that the provided identifier is a valid identifier and determining the likelihood that the provided identifier was assigned to the purported assignee. To accomplish this validation, the present disclosure employs patterns of assignment discernable for systematically assigned identifiers in combination with statistical methods.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that captures hand geometry, full-length fingerprints, and/or palm prints from a frontal view of a freely posed hand using contactless photography. A system and method for capturing biometric data of a hand includes the steps of and means for (a) digitally photographing a designated contactless capture area not having any predefined hand-positioning structures or platen for receiving a hand, to obtain a captured image of the capture area that includes a naturally-posed hand; (b) extracting a frontal hand image of the naturally-posed hand by applying an Active Appearance Model (AAM) to the captured image; (c) computing a plurality of hand geometry measurements of the frontal hand image; and (d) comparing the plurality of hand geometry measurements from the frontal hand image to corresponding existing hand geometry measurements, wherein the comparison results in a best match.

Abstract: In a method and system of service management, a radiative sensor is positioned to observe an area of interest. At least one frame of data of the area of interest is electronically acquired from the radiative sensor. The acquired frame of data is electronically processing to determine the presence or absence of at least one object in the area of interest. Based on the presence or absence of the object in the area of interest, (1) an alert is electronically caused to be generated in response to also electronically detecting another object in another area of interest, and/or (2) a timer is electronically caused to initiate or terminate counting a period of time.

Abstract: In a method and system of service management, a radiative sensor is positioned to observe an area of interest. At least one frame of data of the area of interest is electronically acquired from the radiative sensor. The acquired frame of data is electronically processing to determine the presence or absence of at least one object in the area of interest. Based on the presence or absence of the object in the area of interest, (1) an alert is electronically caused to be generated in response to also electronically detecting another object in another area of interest, and/or (2) a timer is electronically caused to initiate or terminate counting a period of time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting statistically probable systematically assigned identifiers are disclosed, as are methods and systems for determining the likelihood that a systematically assigned identifier provided by a purported assignee of the identifier is legitimate. In one example, determining the likelihood of legitimacy includes determining the likelihood that the provided identifier is a valid identifier and determining the likelihood that the provided identifier was assigned to the purported assignee. To accomplish this validation, the present disclosure employs patterns of assignment discernable for systematically assigned identifiers in combination with statistical methods.

Abstract: In a real time food production management system and method, real time data about consumers inside or in the vicinity of a food outlet and an amount of prepared food available to serve and/or an amount of food being prepared is electronically generated. Based on the real time data, a demand for an amount of food to be ordered by the consumers in a specified interval immediately succeeding the generation of the real time data is electronically predicted. In addition, at least one of the following is electronically determined based on the real time data: a predicted amount of additional food requiring preparation; the time at least one prepared food product has been available; a length of time that a cooked food component has been cooked; and an amount of a food component, a condiment and/or a topping resides in a food product assembly buffer.

Abstract: In a system and method of patient flow and treatment management, information regarding a patient admitted to a first unit of a patient treatment facility that is received into a first one of a number of user devices is dispatched to a server computer. Upon receipt of this patient information the server computer runs (desirably in real-time) a prediction application/algorithm that predicts an estimate of (1) the patient needing a resource in the first unit or a second unit of the facility, (2) a length of time before the patient needs the resource, and/or (3) an identity of the unit that has the needed resource. The server computer then dispatches (again, desirably in real-time) one or more of the predictions to one or more of the user devices, each of which receives and displays the prediction on a display thereof.

Abstract: In a method and system of controlling patient care logistics, a computer determines for each of a number of user devices a unique priority sorted list of queue tasks on the basis of global criterion. Each user device is dispatched the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks determined for the user device. In response to receiving a change in at least one global criterion, the computer determines for each user device either an amendment to the unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of the user device or a new unique priority sorted list of queue tasks for the user of the user device, and then dispatches the unique priority sorted list of queue to the user device.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that captures hand geometry, full-length fingerprints, and/or palm prints from a frontal view of a freely posed hand using contactless photography. A system and method for capturing biometric data of a hand includes the steps of and means for (a) digitally photographing a designated contactless capture area not having any predefined hand-positioning structures or platen for receiving a hand, to obtain a captured image of the capture area that includes a naturally-posed hand; (b) extracting a frontal hand image of the naturally-posed hand by applying an Active Appearance Model (AAM) to the captured image; (c) computing a plurality of hand geometry measurements of the frontal hand image; and (d) comparing the plurality of hand geometry measurements from the frontal hand image to corresponding existing hand geometry measurements, wherein the comparison results in a best match.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing biometric data from a hand includes a low resolution camera for recognizing the existence of a hand and determining when the hand is in an optimal position and orientation to capture the biometric data. A plurality of high resolution cameras photographs respective sections of the palm and fingers while several lights illuminate the sections from different directions in rapid sequence. A processor then tiles together the respective images, matches the friction ridges between adjacent images, adjusts the images to account for curvature, and selects individual pixels from the several images to obtain maximum contrast. Conversions of the resulting images into standard formats, such as grayscale, black and white, or simulated rolled ink fingerprint equivalents are also included.

Abstract: An apparatus for the low energy vaporization of oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, relate to an apparatus comprising a storage tank containing a liquid oxidizing agent or solution, a vaporizer operatively connected to the storage tank for receiving the liquid through a flow control valve and vaporizing the liquid oxidizing agent or solution, a vessel having a vacuum applied thereto with the vessel being operatively connected to the vaporizer so that a vacuum is also applied thereto, and a pressure sensor in said vessel for detecting the partial vapor pressure of the oxidizing agent. A microprocessor is programmed to receive a signal from the vessel pressure sensor and to close the flow control valve upon the vessel reaching a predetermined pressure level so as to prevent condensation of the oxidizing agent and the vessel.

Abstract: In a method and system of service management, a radiative sensor is positioned to observe an area of interest. At least one frame of data of the area of interest is electronically acquired from the radiative sensor. The acquired frame of data is electronically processing to determine the presence or absence of at least one object in the area of interest. Based on the presence or absence of the object in the area of interest, (1) an alert is electronically caused to be generated in response to also electronically detecting another object in another area of interest, and/or (2) a timer is electronically caused to initiate or terminate counting a period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing biometric data from a hand includes a low resolution camera for recognizing the existence of a hand and determining when the hand is in an optimal position and orientation to capture the biometric data. A plurality of high resolution cameras photographs respective sections of the palm and fingers while several lights illuminate the sections from different directions in rapid sequence. A processor then tiles together the respective images, matches the friction ridges between adjacent images, adjusts the images to account for curvature, and selects individual pixels from the several images to obtain maximum contrast. Conversions of the resulting images into standard formats, such as grayscale, black and white, or simulated rolled ink fingerprint equivalents are also included.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the low energy vaporization of oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, relate to an apparatus comprising a storage tank containing a liquid oxidizing agent or solution, a vaporizer operatively connected to the storage tank for receiving the liquid through a flow control valve and vaporizing the liquid oxidizing agent or solution, a vessel having a vacuum applied thereto with the vessel being operatively connected to the vaporizer so that a vacuum is also applied thereto, and a pressure sensor in said vessel for detecting the partial vapor pressure of the oxidizing agent. A microprocessor is programmed to receive a signal from the vessel pressure sensor and to close the flow control valve upon the vessel reaching a predetermined pressure level so as to prevent condensation of the oxidizing agent and the vessel.

Abstract: In a real time food production management system and method, real time data about consumers inside or in the vicinity of a food outlet and an amount of prepared food available to serve and/or an amount of food being prepared is electronically generated. Based on the real time data, a demand for an amount of food to be ordered by the consumers in a specified interval immediately succeeding the generation of the real time data is electronically predicted. In addition, at least one of the following is electronically determined based on the real time data: a predicted amount of additional food requiring preparation; the time at least one prepared food product has been available; a length of time that a cooked food component has been cooked; and an amount of a food component, a condiment and/or a topping resides in a food product assembly buffer.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming serrated edges in wooden panels for interengagement with abutting panels in a wooden I-beam assembly comprises opposed sets of broaches operable for cutting a toothed serration pattern cleanly and accurately in opposed edges of a stack of up to 40 such panels simultaneously. The panels are loaded in infeed means of the apparatus which transports the stack into position for broaching. The stack of panels is aligned laterally by lateral stack alignment means upon placement of the panels in the infeed means. Longitudinal stack alignment means aligns the stack longitudinally when it is transported by the infeed means to a position for broaching. During broaching the stack is supported on opposed anvils in a manner for forming the serrations symmetrically with respect to each end of the stack, hold down means clamps the stack on the anvils, and actuation means drives the broaches downwardly.