Abstract: A method for analyzing an anatomical structure of a patient may include the steps of receiving volumetric scan data representative of one or more features of an anatomical structure; mapping the features to a node tree diagram; and displaying the node tree diagram. The features can comprise branching points, pathways connecting the branching points, and location data of the branching points and pathways. The node tree diagram may comprise a plurality of nodes and branches representing the branching points and pathways in the anatomical structure, respectively. The plurality of nodes may comprise a root node representing a root branching point as well as additional nodes representing additional branching points. Additionally, the node tree diagram may comprise a first set of one or more regions, wherein each region encompasses a respective portion of the node tree diagram and is representative of a defined portion of the anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method for visualizing sub-pleural regions of an anatomical structure of interest from a set of volumetric data includes receiving the set of volumetric data representative of the anatomical structure. The anatomical structure can comprise an outer surface and a plurality of sub-pleural regions with each of the plurality of sub-pleural regions being a region of the anatomical structure which is distant from the outer surface by a corresponding sub-pleural depth. The method further includes determine a first sub-pleural region of the anatomical structure of interest and extracting, from the set of volumetric data, the portions of volumetric data representative of the first sub-pleural region. The method also includes rendering a display image based upon the first sub-pleural region and the extracted volumetric data.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a patient based on a volumetric pulmonary scan includes receiving volumetric pulmonary scan data representative of a patient's pulmonary structure. This method also includes determining a level of transpulmonary pressure defining an effort metric based on one or more characteristics from the received volumetric pulmonary scan data. This method further includes determining one or more physiological or anatomical parameters associated with the transpulmonary pressure based on the received volumetric pulmonary scan data and the effort metric. A non-transitory computer readable medium can be programmed with instructions for causing one or more processors to perform the method for analyzing a patient based on a volumetric pulmonary scan.

Abstract: A method for visualizing a tubular object from a set of volumetric data may include the steps of: determining a viewing direction for the tubular object; selecting a constraint subset of the tubular object within the volumetric data; defining a cut-surface through the volumetric data and including the constraint subset of the tubular object within the volumetric data; and rendering an image based upon the determined viewing direction and the volumetric data of the tubular object along the intersection of the volumetric data and the defined cut-surface. Additionally or alternatively, the method may identify a plurality of bifurcations in the tubular object; assign a weighting factor to each identified bifurcation; determine a bifurcation normal vector associated with each bifurcation; determine a weighted average of the bifurcation normal vectors; and render an image of the volumetric data from a perspective parallel to the weighted average of the bifurcation normal vectors.

Abstract: A method for analyzing an anatomical structure of a patient may include the steps of receiving volumetric scan data representative of one or more features of an anatomical structure; mapping the features to a node tree diagram; and displaying the node tree diagram. The features can comprise branching points, pathways connecting the branching points, and location data of the branching points and pathways. The node tree diagram may comprise a plurality of nodes and branches representing the branching points and pathways in the anatomical structure, respectively. The plurality of nodes may comprise a root node representing a root branching point as well as additional nodes representing additional branching points. Additionally, the node tree diagram may comprise a first set of one or more regions, wherein each region encompasses a respective portion of the node tree diagram and is representative of a defined portion of the anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method for visualizing a tubular object from a set of volumetric data may include the steps of: determining a viewing direction for the tubular object; selecting a constraint subset of the tubular object within the volumetric data; defining a cut-surface through the volumetric data and including the constraint subset of the tubular object within the volumetric data; and rendering an image based upon the determined viewing direction and the volumetric data of the tubular object along the intersection of the volumetric data and the defined cut-surface. Additionally or alternatively, the method may identify a plurality of bifurcations in the tubular object; assign a weighting factor to each identified bifurcation; determine a bifurcation normal vector associated with each bifurcation; determine a weighted average of the bifurcation normal vectors; and render an image of the volumetric data from a perspective parallel to the weighted average of the bifurcation normal vectors.

Abstract: With the introduction of powerful LED lighting and miniature digital radio-on-a-chip integrated circuits, the inventor found to be possible to embed a sufficiently bright LED array and digital transceiver into a traditional bulb housing. This bulb can then be placed into existing tail or other light socket on the exterior of the vehicle and can serve as turn signals being actuated by radio. This bulb can also be part of a self-contained magnetic housing that can be attached temporarily to the vehicle (such as when on the highway.) This self-contained unit contains miniature digital radio, rechargeable battery, and LED light assembly, but NO reliance upon or modification of the vehicle's electrical system. The system was built and tested and prior art was examined.

Abstract: A remote-controlled turn signal unit for a vehicle or trailer is provided. In one embodiment, an LED array and digital transceiver are embedded into a traditional bulb housing. This bulb can then be placed into existing tail or other light sockets on the exterior of a vehicle and can serve as turn signals being actuated by radio. This bulb can also be part of a self-contained magnetic housing that can be attached temporarily to the vehicle. This self-contained unit contains miniature digital radio, rechargeable battery, and LED light assembly, but does not rely upon or required modification of the vehicle's electrical system.

Abstract: A wireless, removable vehicle signaling control and illumination apparatus which may be for use on vehicles. The system may utilize a miniature digital radio transceiver inside a lamp housing to provide wireless control of the lamp. The signaling system may provide a signaling solution for a user which does not require alteration or modification of the vehicle. Such a system may improve conspicuity, safety, and illumination capabilities of the vehicle.

Abstract: A printing system includes carriage assemblies, a preparation station, a printing station, and a selection station. The carriage assemblies receive flexible bodies and are coupled to a conveyance assembly that moves the carriage assemblies along a direction of travel. The preparation station receives the flexible bodies from the loading station and manipulates the flexible bodies to at least partially flatten printing surfaces of the flexible bodies. The printing station prints images on the flexible bodies. The selection station examines the images on the flexible bodies and selects one or more of the flexible bodies based on the images. The selection station also individually grips and removes selected flexible bodies from the carriage assemblies and conveys the selected flexible bodies to a first collection location while the other flexible bodies remain on the carriage assemblies and are conveyed to a different, second collection location.

Abstract: A printing system includes carriage assemblies, a preparation station, a printing station, and a selection station. The carriage assemblies receive flexible bodies and are coupled to a conveyance assembly that moves the carriage assemblies along a direction of travel. The preparation station receives the flexible bodies from the loading station and manipulates the flexible bodies to at least partially flatten printing surfaces of the flexible bodies. The printing station prints images on the flexible bodies. The selection station examines the images on the flexible bodies and selects one or more of the flexible bodies based on the images. The selection station also individually grips and removes selected flexible bodies from the carriage assemblies and conveys the selected flexible bodies to a first collection location while the other flexible bodies remain on the carriage assemblies and are conveyed to a different, second collection location.

Abstract: A doctor assembly for a pad printing system includes a body and a doctor blade. The body has an outer surface and an opposite inner surface that defines a passageway through the body. The inner surface engages a removable pre-filled ink cup to secure the ink cup to the body. The inner surface directs ink from the ink cup through the passageway toward an ink-receiving surface of a cliché device. The doctor blade is coupled with the body and engages the cliché device. The doctor blade wipes the ink along the cliché device as the body laterally moves relative to the cliché device. The doctor blade is coupled with the body such that the doctor blade is laterally spaced apart from the inner surface of the body.

Abstract: An essentially invisible lace weft hair extension comprising a first layer of lace, extension hair knotted into the first layer to define a weft base, a knot sealant/bonding agent applied to the weft base, and a second layer of lace bonded to the first layer over the weft base. The weft base is double-bleached (both lace and knots), preferably before the knot sealant/bonding agent is applied. Methods for constructing the weft, and for applying the weft to a wearer's scalp using adhesive, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An essentially invisible lace weft hair extension comprising a first layer of lace, extension hair knotted into the first layer to define a weft base, a knot sealant/bonding agent applied to the weft base, and a second layer of lace bonded to the first layer over the weft base. The weft base is double-bleached (both lace and knots), preferably before the knot sealant/bonding agent is applied. Methods for constructing the weft, and for applying the weft to a wearer's scalp using adhesive, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless, removable vehicle signaling control and illumination apparatus for use on antique vehicles lacking original equipment vehicle signaling devices. The system utilizes a miniature digital radio transceiver inside a lamp housing to provide wireless control of the lamp. This signaling system provides a previously unavailable removable automotive signaling solution for antique vehicle owners who want improved illumination and safety features of modern automotive lighting while leaving the vehicle in “original” and “unmodified” condition, which is of such value to antique vehicle owners.

Abstract: A doctor assembly for a pad printing system includes a body and a doctor blade. The body has an outer surface and an opposite inner surface that defines a passageway through the body. The inner surface engages a removable pre-filled ink cup to secure the ink cup to the body. The inner surface directs ink from the ink cup through the passageway toward an ink-receiving surface of a cliché device. The doctor blade is coupled with the body and engages the cliché device. The doctor blade wipes the ink along the cliché device as the body laterally moves relative to the cliché device. The doctor blade is coupled with the body such that the doctor blade is laterally spaced apart from the inner surface of the body.

Abstract: A user interface for display or editing of a three dimensional medical image is provided on a display and is responsive to user inputs in a medical imaging system. The user interface includes a framing tool for defining a region of interest on the medical image. An image matrix is then provided on the user interface, which includes a plurality of cross-sectional images each corresponding to a cross-section of the medical image at one of a plurality of cut planes within the region of interest. One or more reference views of the medical image are also displayed, which each include a plurality of reference indicia, each of which corresponds to a location of one of the plurality of cut planes.

Abstract: A user interface for display or editing of a three dimensional medical image is provided on a display and is responsive to user inputs in a medical imaging system. The user interface includes a framing tool for defining a region of interest on the medical image. An image matrix is then provided on the user interface, which includes a plurality of cross-sectional images each corresponding to a cross-section of the medical image at one of a plurality of cut planes within the region of interest. One or more reference views of the medical image are also displayed, which each include a plurality of reference indicia, each of which corresponds to a location of one of the plurality of cut planes.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for efficiently calculating a registration of multiple characteristic paths of a virtual three-dimensional object. Each path of discrete points is transformed into a piecewise linear parameterization as a function of path length. The paths are smoothed and normalized. The shorter path is partitioned into a number of discrete subintervals. The subintervals are mapped to the longer path using a minimization function that minimizes a cost function resulting in a locally optimal registration. The shorter path is incrementally positioned along the longer path and the minimization is attempted at each position. When the shorter path cannot be shifted any farther, the globally optimal registration is returned.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for efficiently calculating a colon segmentation from one or more candidate virtual three-dimensional objects. A sequence of image scans are analyzed and regions that represent air-filled objects and tagged-stool are identified as candidate segments. A characteristic path is generated for each candidate segment. The paths are joined using a cost network and re-oriented to be consistent with a typical flythrough path. The connected path is then used to generate a continuous volumetric virtual object.