Abstract: An apparatus for presenting a chemical spectrum to a human user in an audible and/or tactile format comprises an input that receives at least one chemical spectrum, a processor, and at least one transducer that produces the audible and/or tactile output. The processor identifies a first component and a second component of at least one value of the at least one chemical spectrum, selects at least one periodic function for each first component, and modulates the at least one periodic function according to the second component. Modulated periodic functions are composed into at least one complex function which is output to the at least one transducer to produce the audible and/or tactile output. The chemical spectrum may comprise data obtained from a sample using mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for presenting a chemical spectrum to a human user in an audible and/or tactile format comprises an input that receives at least one chemical spectrum, a processor, and at least one transducer that produces the audible and/or tactile output. The processor identifies a first component and a second component of at least one value of the at least one chemical spectrum, selects at least one periodic function for each first component, and modulates the at least one periodic function according to the second component. Modulated periodic functions are composed into at least one complex function which is output to the at least one transducer to produce the audible and/or tactile output. The chemical spectrum may comprise data obtained from a sample using mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining placement of prosthetic components in joint including defining patient-specific frame of reference for joint, determining patient-specific postoperative range of motion of joint, evaluating patient-specific range of motion of joint, automatically planning placement of components balancing need for range of motion with prosthesis stability through bony coverage, and applying manual adjustments to the automatically planned placement of component by giving greater or lesser weight to need for range of motion or prosthesis stability through bony coverage. Apparatuses for defining center of prosthetic femoral head and axis of prosthetic femoral neck including primary cylinder, first alignment receptacle and second alignment receptacle, and a divot on exterior of primary cylinder, divot having normal parallel to longitudinal axis of second alignment receptacle and position of the divot being translated toward an opening of the first alignment receptacle on the primary cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool comprising a handle and a tip, which provides amplified tactile feedback to a user regarding the material with which the tip of the tool is in contact. In one embodiment, tactile feedback is provided to the user via the handle of the tool, in the form of movements which correspond at least partially to those experienced by the tip of the tool as it interacts with the material. The tool optionally provides audio and/or visual feedback regarding the material. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is a surgical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining placement of prosthetic components in joint including defining patient-specific frame of reference for joint, determining patient-specific postoperative range of motion of joint, evaluating patient-specific range of motion of joint, automatically planning placement of components balancing need for range of motion with prosthesis stability through bony coverage, and applying manual adjustments to the automatically planned placement of component by giving greater or lesser weight to need for range of motion or prosthesis stability through bony coverage. Apparatuses for defining center of prosthetic femoral head and axis of prosthetic femoral neck including primary cylinder, first alignment receptacle and second alignment receptacle, and a divot on exterior of primary cylinder, divot having normal parallel to longitudinal axis of second alignment receptacle and position of the divot being translated toward an opening of the first alignment receptacle on the primary cylinder.

Abstract: Imaging, object tracking, integration apparatus 100 has tracking system 1, imaging system 3, communication system 5 and integration system 7. Tracking system 1 locates objects in 3-dimensions and determines respective poses. Imaging system 3 acquires object images. Integration system 7 correlates 3-dimensional poses. User communication system 5 provides information, such as images, sounds, or control signals to the user or other automated systems. Image acquisition techniques include X-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging. Images can be acquired from digital files. Imaging system 3 creates a calibrated, geometrically corrected two-dimensional image 110, 210. Correlation system 7 can receive instructions from a practitioner to create, destroy, and edit the properties of a guard. Communications system 5 displays images and calculations to a practitioner, such as a surgeon. Methods can determine geometrical relations between guards and/or present to a practitioner projections of forms of guards.

Abstract: Imaging, object tracking, integration apparatus 100 has tracking system 1, imaging system 3, communication system 5 and integration system 7. Tracking system 1 locates objects in 3-dimensions and determines respective poses. Imaging system 3 acquires object images. Integration system 7 correlates 3-dimensional poses. User communication system 5 provides information, such as images, sounds, or control signals to the user or other automated systems. Image acquisition techniques include X-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging. Images can be acquired from digital files. Imaging system 3 creates a calibrated, geometrically corrected two-dimensional image 110, 210. Correlation system 7 can receive instructions from a practitioner to create, destroy, and edit the properties of a guard. Communications system 5 displays images and calculations to a practitioner, such as a surgeon. Methods can determine geometrical relations between guards and/or present to a practitioner projections of forms of guards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for digital signal processing, referred to as sample-estimate-hold signal reconstruction, which provides a method of reconstructing output signals more representative of the original input analog signal than the conventional signal processing procedures used in D/A conversion, referred to as sample-hold signal reconstruction. The method uses the history of the analog signal being reconstructed from its digitized form to produce output values which reduce the absolute difference between the integral of the actual signal and the integral of its digital representation over local intervals in the range of the signal. The method is applicable to a wide range of signal processing applications including force-reflection systems, audio and data compression to mention just a few.

Abstract: A method and system for correlating accuracy of computer tomography (CT) image resolution is described. Small radio-opaque markers having a diameter less than one slice width of a CT scan are embedded in the object, such as a bony skeletal member, to be measured, the object is then CT scanned so that the radio-opaque markers appear in at two slices of the scan. The markers are also physically located by detecting them with a sensor, such as a positioning pointer. Also described is one form of marker comprising a tantalum sphere mounted in a ceramic, preferably alumina, pin.