Abstract: A computer algorithm (36) employing decision trees in order to assign wireless communication nodes (12-19,39-43) in a derived spatial arrangement. In a first embodiment, the algorithm (36) assigns nodes to an array of positions corresponding to the positions of luminaires (2-9) in a lighting array (1) to enable the lighting array (1) to be commissioned automatically. In a second embodiment, the algorithm (36) assigns nodes to control groups (49-51) such that the member nodes of a particular control group (49-51) may be controlled by a single switch or sensor (46-48). The use of decision trees allows the final assignment of nodes to be delayed until more information has been taken into account, thus, the algorithm (36) is able to select the best overall configuration.

Abstract: A system for plastic surgery comprises entering patient information (130) into a database; computing a template (160) for the patient based on the information; and inserting a synthetic model into the template.

Abstract: A system for plastic surgery comprises entering patient information into a database; computing a video sequence template for the patient based on the information and a synthetic video model.

Abstract: A combination precision knife and blade dispenser having a handle portion configured to receive a blade and a dispenser. The dispenser is configured to support at least one blade in a new blade portion thereof. The dispenser further has a used blade portion configured to support at least one blade therein, where a user, manipulates the handle portion and engages a base of the at least one blade therein, and where in order to dispose of the blade, the user inserts the blade into the dispenser and disengages the base of the blade from the handle portion such that at no time does a user need to touch an edge portion of the blade.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely testing the operational status of a remediation system installed within a building or structure are disclosed. An illustrative remote monitoring system can include a sensor adapted to sense at least one characteristic of the remediation system, an interface in communication with the sensor, a gateway in communication with the interface, and a remote computer located away from the building or structure. The interface can be configured to convert sensor signals received from the sensor into an output signal having a format or platform supported by the gateway. The remote computer can include an interface that can be used by a servicing agent to transmit and receive signals to and from the gateway for monitoring and testing the operation of the remediation system.

Abstract: A method of modifying a portion of a digital image. In one arrangement, a digital image is displayed on a display, and the gaze data of a user viewing the image on the display is determined. The portion of the image being viewed by the user corresponding to the determined gaze data to identify a gaze region is then determined. The identified gaze region is modified to generate a modified gaze region, and the resulting modified gaze region is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A method of segmenting a lesion (910) from normal anatomy in a 3-dimensional image comprising the steps of: receiving an initial set of voxels (520) that are contained within the lesion to be segmented; growing a region which includes the lesion from the initial set of voxels; identifying a second set of voxels (530) on a surface of the normal anatomy; determining a surface containing the second set of voxels which demarks a boundary (540) between the lesion and the normal anatomy; and classifying voxels which are part of the lesion.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a lesion in a medical digital image using at least one point contained within a lesion to be analyzed includes propagating a wave-front surface from the point(s) for a plurality of steps; partitioning the wave-front surface into a plurality of wave-front parts wherein each wave-front part is associated with a different portion of the wave-front surface corresponding to a previous propagation step; and analyzing at least one feature associated with each wave-front part to classify anatomical structures associated with the lesion and normal anatomy within the medical digital image.

Abstract: A method of modifying a portion of a digital image. In one arrangement, a digital image is displayed on a display, and the gaze data of a user viewing the image on the display is determined. The portion of the image being viewed by the user corresponding to the determined gaze data to identify a gaze region is then determined. The identified gaze region is modified to generate a modified gaze region, and the resulting modified gaze region is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A method for comparing image portions of at least two images, comprising the steps of: displaying a first digital image on a display; determining gaze data of a user viewing the first digital image displayed on the display; determining the portion of the first digital image being viewed by the user corresponding to the determined gaze data to identify a first gaze region; accessing a second digital image; determining, in the second digital image, a second region corresponding to the first gaze region; and displaying the first and second gaze regions on the display.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at systems and methods for detecting flue blockages in an HVAC system without the addition of numerous additional sensor elements, wiring, and connections that can unduly increase the cost and possibly reduce the reliability of the HVAC system. In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, changes in the output of a flame sensor are used to detect when a likely flue blockage exists.

Abstract: An improved analyte system where a temperature sensor and heater element combination are placed within a protective sheath. The sheath, temperature sensor, and heater element are placed within a reaction vessel so as to provide an internal heating source for reactive materials contained within the reaction vessel. The sheath extends through the reaction vessel into a reaction volume area of the vessel where an analytes-reagent reaction takes place. Further, the sheath is coated with a catalytic material, preferably platinum. The heater and sheath assembly may be introduced to any number of reaction schemes where reaction rate and detection acceleration is desired. The heater and sheath assembly works in conjunction with software to tune heating rates, optimum temperature, cooling rates, and detection analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely testing the operational status of a remediation system installed within a building or structure are disclosed. An illustrative remote monitoring system can include a sensor adapted to sense at least one characteristic of the remediation system, an interface in communication with the sensor, a gateway in communication with the interface, and a remote computer located away from the building or structure. The interface can be configured to convert sensor signals received from the sensor into an output signal having a format or platform supported by the gateway. The remote computer can include an interface that can be used by a servicing agent to transmit and receive signals to and from the gateway for monitoring and testing the operation of the remediation system.

Abstract: A batch processing method for enhancing an appearance of a face located in a digital image, where the image is one of a large number of images that are being processed through a batch process, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a script file that identifies one or more original digital images that have been selected for enhancement, wherein the script file includes an instruction for the location of each original digital image; (b) using the instructions in the script file, acquiring an original digital image containing one or more faces; (c) detecting a location of facial feature points in the one or more faces, said facial feature points including points identifying salient features including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and hair; (d) using the location of the facial feature points to segment the face into different regions, said different regions including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, neck and hair regions; (e) determining one or more facially relevant character

Abstract: A batch processing method for enhancing an appearance of a face located in a digital image, where the image is one of a large number of images that are being processed through a batch process, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a script file that identifies one or more original digital images that have been selected for enhancement, wherein the script file includes an instruction for the location of each original digital image; (b) using the instructions in the script file, acquiring an original digital image containing one or more faces; (c) detecting a location of facial feature points in the one or more faces, said facial feature points including points identifying salient features including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and hair; (d) using the location of the facial feature points to segment the face into different regions, said different regions including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, neck and hair regions; (e) determining one or more facially relevant character

Abstract: A batch processing method for enhancing an appearance of a face located in a digital image, where the image is one of a large number of images that are being processed through a batch process, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a script file that identifies one or more original digital images that have been selected for enhancement, wherein the script file includes an instruction for the location of each original digital image; (b) using the instructions in the script file, acquiring an original digital image containing one or more faces; (c) detecting a location of facial feature points in the one or more faces, said facial feature points including points identifying salient features including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and hair; (d) using the location of the facial feature points to segment the face into different regions, said different regions including one or more of skin, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, neck and hair regions; (e) determining one or more facially relevant character

Abstract: A system and method for the display of advertising information is provided wherein the system is able to sense the presence and obtain characteristics of individuals in the immediate environment of the display. The system then selects a specific informational content/program to improve the effectiveness of the display device based upon the obtained characteristics of one or more sensed individuals.

Abstract: Aqueous dilutions of acidic ternary compositions having unusually synergistic antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella choleraesuis microorganisms are disclosed. The compositions encompass ternary component mixtures of an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid, a monohydric water soluble alkanol and an anionic tenside having a Ternary Ratio residing within a defined phase region wherein synergistic antimicrobial activity is observed; whereas mixtures outside of the defined phase region and those lacking any one of the components do not exhibit synergistic activity. Compositions, methods and articles employing the inventive ternary synergistic compositions, and their utility in sanitizing and disinfecting hard surfaces are described.

Abstract: A cleaning composition with a 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid and a food safe nonionic surfactant gives good antimicrobial performance with improved filming and streaking performance combined with low residue and high grease cleaning capability for use on and around food contact surfaces. The composition may contain an anionic surfactant to provide improved wetting performances, and may optionally contain a solvent, additional surfactants, and other adjuncts. The food safe nonionic surfactant is preferably food safe or of low toxicological concern for use on animal, human and food contact surfaces. The composition can be used directly, diluted for use or impregnated and used on a wipe or other substrate, and require no rinsing or removal from the surface following application and cleaning.