Abstract: A magnetic tracking device is configured to track an object in an environment by receiving a measurement of the non-magnetic signal and a corresponding measurement of the magnetic signal for a location of the magnetic tracking device in the environment. The magnetic tracking device estimates, based on the measurement of the non-magnetic signal, a non-magnetic pose of the magnetic tracking device in the environment for the location. The device estimates, based on the measurement of the magnetic signal, a magnetic pose of the magnetic tracking device in the environment for the location. The device determines a difference between the magnetic pose estimate and the non-magnetic pose estimate for the location. The device determines a magnetic distortion correction value for the location based on the difference. The magnetic tracking device generates a distortion correction model including the distortion value and outputs a representation of the distortion correction model.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for tracking fiber optic shaping. In some implementations, a server obtains optical signals reflected through a fiber, the fiber comprising one or more embedded sensors and a nano-magnetometer embedded at a distal location of the fiber. The server determines a frequency shift of each of the reflected optical signals, the frequency shift imparted on the reflected optical signals by the one or more embedded sensors. The server determines a phase shift of each of the reflected optical signals, the phase shift imparted on the reflected optical signals by the nano-magnetometer. The server determines characteristics of the fiber using the determined frequency and the phase shift of each of the reflected optical signals, the characteristics comprises a shape of the fiber and a location of the fiber in relation to an external reference.

Abstract: Purifying target biomolecules, such as nucleic acids or proteins, from a biological source is a time intensive process and is typically performed by a skilled technician or scientist owing to the highly technical nature of the work. Systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein enable the automated bioprocessing and purification of target biomolecules from a biological source. For example, an instrument and disposable cartridge are provided for automatedly isolating and purifying nucleic acids (such as plasmid DNA from a bacterial culture) or for isolating protein from any biological sample. Such an exemplary instrument and cartridge can work in concert to timely release, mix, and move the target biomolecule and various reagents and buffers through a target biomolecule purification process, resulting in a purified target biomolecule with less manual oversight than traditional approaches.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a first set of inductance data and a second set of inductance data, each representing one or more inductance measurements when a distorter is absent and when the distorter is present, respectively. The method includes training a machine learning system for compensating for distortion, in which the machine learning system is configured to generate an estimated value of distortion indicating an amount of distortion present in the electromagnetic field. The method includes receiving a set of inductance data and generating, by the trained machine learning system, the estimated value of distortion using the additional set of inductance data and measured pose data that represents position and orientation information for one or more sensors. The method includes providing the estimated value of the distortion for application to a computing device for calibrating the one or more sensors by compensating for the estimated value of the distortion.

Abstract: A method for use in generating a computer-based visualization of 3D medical image data is described. The method includes receiving 3D medical image data and performing a selection process to select first image data forming a first portion of the 3D medical image data, the first image data representing a first anatomical object of a given type. An analysis process is performed on the first image data, a parameter of the analysis process being based on the given type of the first anatomical object. Based at least in part on a result of the analysis process, a visual parameter mapping for the first portion is determined, for use in a rendering process for generating a visualization of the 3D medical image data. Also described is a method of generating a computer-based visualization of 3D medical image data and an apparatus for performing the methods.

Abstract: A magnetic tracking system is configured to determine an object pose of a tracked object in an environment of the magnetic tracking system. The tracking system includes a transmitter assembly that includes a transmitting coil configured to generate a magnetic signal indicative of an object pose of a tracked object with respect to the transmitter assembly and a marker that visually identifies a pose of the transmitter assembly with respect to a camera device. The camera device captures at least one image of the transmitter assembly. A computing device determines, based on the image, a pose for the transmitter assemblies in the image. Based on the magnetic signal and the pose associated with the transmitter assembly, the computing device determines the object pose of the tracked object in the environment.

Abstract: Purifying target biomolecules, such as nucleic acids or proteins, from a biological source is a time intensive process and is typically performed by a skilled technician or scientist owing to the highly technical nature of the work. Systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein enable the automated bioprocessing and purification of target biomolecules from a biological source. For example, an instrument and disposable cartridge are provided for automatedly isolating and purifying nucleic acids (such as plasmid DNA from a bacterial culture) or for isolating protein from any biological sample. Such an exemplary instrument and cartridge can work in concert to timely release, mix, and move the target biomolecule and various reagents and buffers through a target biomolecule purification process, resulting in a purified target biomolecule with less manual oversight than traditional approaches.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a corresponding apparatus are provided for the provision of a two-dimensional visualization image having a plurality of visualization pixels for the visualization of a three-dimensional object represented by volume data for a user. Context information for the visualization is obtained by the evaluation of natural language and is taken into account in the visualization. The natural language can be in the form of electronic documents, which are assigned or can be assigned to the visualization process. In addition, the natural language can be in the form of a speech input of a user, during or after the visualization.

Abstract: A method includes: obtaining an ultrasound image of an anatomical area from an ultrasound imaging device; inputting the ultrasound image into a first stage of a convolutional neural network, the first stage configured to determine key-point locations of the anatomical area; generating, for each of the key-point locations, a cropped region of the ultrasound image; inputting each of the cropped regions into a second stage of the convolutional neural network, the second stage configured to locate an anatomical landmark of the anatomical area; and outputting a location of the anatomical landmark.

Abstract: A computing device implemented method includes receiving data representing strains experienced at multiple positions along a fiber, the fiber being positioned within a surgical theater, determining a shape of the fiber from the received data representing the stains experienced at the multiple positions along the fiber by using a machine learning system, the machine learning system being trained using data representing shapes of fibers and data representing strains at multiple positions along each of the fibers, and representing the determined shape as functions of an orientation of a center of the fiber, a first radial axis of the fiber, and a second radial axis of the fiber.

Abstract: A removable cable connector engages with an electronic device such that the removable cable connector removably yet securely attaches to the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a plate configured to guide an electronic plug of the removable cable connector toward an electronic receptacle of the electronic device. The plate may be further configured to include one or more locators for holding the electronic receptacle of the electronic device in place. The removable cable connector may include a molded housing formed using a two-shot overmolding process to form a first overmolded strain relief portion and a second overmolded strain relief portion which cover fasteners that fasten a face plate to the connector.

Abstract: A magnetic tracking system is configured to determine an object pose of a tracked object in an environment of the magnetic tracking system. The tracking system includes a transmitter assembly that includes a transmitting coil configured to generate a magnetic signal indicative of an object pose of a tracked object with respect to the transmitter assembly and a marker that visually identifies a pose of the transmitter assembly with respect to a camera device. The camera device captures at least one image of the transmitter assembly. A computing device determines, based on the image, a pose for the transmitter assemblies in the image. Based on the magnetic signal and the pose associated with the transmitter assembly, the computing device determines the object pose of the tracked object in the environment.

Abstract: Ergonomic attachments for a handheld ultrasound probe are described herein. An attachment assembly includes a plate-shaped member that includes a passage configured to accommodate the handheld ultrasound probe such that when the plate-shaped member is inserted in the attachment assembly, a portion of a transducer head of the handheld ultrasound probe protrudes from the plate-shaped member. Another attachment assembly includes a shell that attaches to the handheld ultrasound probe and partially covers the handheld ultrasound probe, and strap anchors that are each connected to the shell and are disposed at opposite ends of the shell. Another attachment includes a curved bar that is continuous between a proximal attachment flange, of the curved bar, that attaches to a first location of the handheld ultrasound probe and a distal attachment flange, of the curved bar, that attaches to a second location of the handheld ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A method for improving safety and property protection in schools comprising fixed and mobile safety and security devices, networked together. A software App provides real-time communication among various devices. The network integrates disparate security devices into a unified system to expand coordination and communication among public safety personnel. The system automatically triggers alarms, cell phone notifications, and warnings, as well as defensive measures, when its sensors or safety devices detect or report threats to public safety and property. Each device in the system is pre-programmed to respond independently while simultaneously sharing its findings with all other devices and security personnel in the network. Deployment of these disparate devices gives security personnel heightened awareness, real-time status of secured and unsecured building entrances, around-the-clock visualization, and faster response times in both indoor and outdoor emergencies.

Abstract: A smart card includes a plurality of display devices on an outside surface of a housing. Circuitry within the housing includes a processor, and communication circuitry configured to communicate with at least one computing device located within a geographic region around the smart card. The processor is configured to continuously receive a plurality of communication signals from the computing device, to continuously assess a geographic distance from the smart card to the fixed position of the computing device within the geographic region using the plurality of communication signals, to continuously activate or deactivate the plurality of display devices based on the geographic distance from the smart card to the fixed position of the computing device in the geographic region for providing a user with a directional indication, distance indication, or both, to the computing device in the geographic region.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for guiding an operator to use an ultrasound device. Thereby, operators with little or no experience operating ultrasound devices may capture medically relevant ultrasound images and/or interpret the contents of the obtained ultrasound images. For example, some of the techniques disclosed herein may be used to identify a particular anatomical view of a subject to image with an ultrasound device, guide an operator of the ultrasound device to capture an ultrasound image of the subject that contains the particular anatomical view, and/or analyze the captured ultrasound image to identify medical information about the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a handheld apparatus that vaporizes plant-based or synthetic compounds, for the purpose of inhalation, or diffusion into an external environment. More specifically, the disclosure describes a handheld apparatus wherein a laser beam from an internal laser unit heats compounds, such as dried plant, tinctures, resins, or essential oils, to the compound's vaporization temperature for inhalation, or diffusion as part of aromatherapy or other holistic therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: A curable coating composition includes: (a) a binder having a film-forming resin with at least two functional groups, and (ii) a curing agent reactive with the functional groups of the film-forming resin; and (b) solid vulcanized rubber particles that are unreactive with the binder. The curable coating composition is a solid particulate powder coating composition. Multi-layer coating systems, coated substrates, and methods of preparing the curable coating composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A curable coating composition includes: (a) a binder having a film-forming resin with at least two functional groups, and (ii) a curing agent reactive with the functional groups of the film-forming resin; and (b) solid vulcanized rubber particles that are unreactive with the binder. The curable coating composition is a solid particulate powder coating composition. Multi-layer coating systems and methods of preparing the curable coating composition are also included.

Abstract: A device comprising includes an insertable structure usable in a surgical theater, a fiber optic line extending through the structure, wherein a computer system is configured to determine a shape of the fiber optic line extending through the structure, and one or more electromagnetic sensors wrapped at least in part around one or more portions of the fiber optic line, wherein the computer system is configured to determine a position and orientation of the one or more electromagnetic sensors, wherein the computer system is configured to determine a shape and a position of the structure based on the determined shape of the fiber optic line extending through the structure and the determined position and orientation of the one or more electromagnetic sensors.