Abstract: A vibratory respiratory therapy device (100) has a valve element (11) on a rocker arm (12) that opens and closes an opening (10) during exhalation through the device and thereby generates sound. A mobile phone (20) with a microphone (21) picks up the sound generated and has a processor (22) that converts the sound signal into a sound energy signal in order to measure its frequency. The processor (22) computes a measure of pressure in the device (10) by multiplying the detected frequency by a fixed factor and adding a fixed constant to the product. The pressure data is used to monitor patient use of the device.

Abstract: A method for generating a two-dimensional image of an object using a CT scanner is provided. The method includes selecting an imaging surface for the object, the imaging surface including a plurality of pixels, selecting a viewing direction that is non-parallel to the imaging surface, rotating an x-ray source of the CT scanner around the object through a plurality of views, wherein the x-ray source projects x-rays towards a detector array opposite the x-ray source. For each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the method includes acquiring using the detector array, from the plurality of views, data values for x-rays that pass through the pixel and are within a pre-determined angle from parallel to the viewing direction, and combining the data values acquired for the pixel to calculate a final value for the pixel. The method further includes generating the two-dimensional image of the object based on the calculated final values for each pixel.

Abstract: An X-ray CT scanner for imaging an object is provided. The scanner includes an X-ray emitter configured to emit X-ray beams, a detector array including a plurality of detector elements, and a precollimator positioned between the X-ray emitter and the object, the precollimator configured to prevent the emitted X-ray beams from being directly incident on a first subset of the plurality of detector elements, and allow the emitted X-ray beams to be directly incident on a second subset of said plurality of detector elements. A processing device communicatively coupled to the detector array is configured to determine a signature of the object based on a first set of data acquired using the first subset of the plurality of detector elements, and tomographically reconstruct an image of the object based on a second set of data acquired using the second subset of said plurality of detector elements.

Abstract: A method of performing a security inspection of a container including a plurality of objects includes irradiating the container with polychromatic x-rays, reconstructing a 4-D voxelized representation defining a momentum transfer spectrum, and generating a 3-D image by determining a single value at each voxel as a function of the momentum transfer spectrum. The method further includes segmenting the voxels into segments of contiguous voxels that map onto at least one object. The method also includes computing an aggregated momentum transfer spectrum over at least a portion of the contiguous voxels through at least one of aggregating the spectra of the contiguous voxels for each segment and defining a supervoxel that includes voxels with the object exclusively and voxels in a neighborhood, regardless of association with the object. The method further includes classifying the object as one of a threat and a non-threat based on the aggregated momentum transfer spectrum.

Abstract: An X-ray CT scanner for imaging an object is provided. The scanner includes an X-ray emitter configured to emit X-ray beams, a detector array including a plurality of detector elements, and a precollimator positioned between the X-ray emitter and the object, the precollimator configured to prevent the emitted X-ray beams from being directly incident on a first subset of the plurality of detector elements, and allow the emitted X-ray beams to be directly incident on a second subset of said plurality of detector elements. A processing device communicatively coupled to the detector array is configured to determine a signature of the object based on a first set of data acquired using the first subset of the plurality of detector elements, and tomographically reconstruct an image of the object based on a second set of data acquired using the second subset of said plurality of detector elements.

Abstract: A method for generating a two-dimensional image of an object using a CT scanner is provided. The method includes selecting an imaging surface for the object, the imaging surface including a plurality of pixels, selecting a viewing direction that is non-parallel to the imaging surface, rotating an x-ray source of the CT scanner around the object through a plurality of views, wherein the x-ray source projects x-rays towards a detector array opposite the x-ray source. For each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the method includes acquiring using the detector array, from the plurality of views, data values for x-rays that pass through the pixel and are within a pre-determined angle from parallel to the viewing direction, and combining the data values acquired for the pixel to calculate a final value for the pixel. The method further includes generating the two-dimensional image of the object based on the calculated final values for each pixel.

Abstract: A method of performing a security inspection of a container including a plurality of objects includes irradiating the container with polychromatic x-rays. The method also includes reconstructing a 4-D voxelized representation defining a momentum transfer spectrum and generating a 3-D image by determining a single value at each voxel as a function of the momentum transfer spectrum. The method further includes segmenting the voxels into segments of contiguous voxels. Each segment includes a plurality of contiguous voxels that at least partially map onto at least one object. The method also includes computing an aggregated momentum transfer spectrum over at least a portion of the plurality of contiguous voxels. The method further includes classifying the aggregated momentum transfer spectrum as one of threat and non-threat and distinguishing the at least one object as one of a threat segment and a non-threat segment based on the aggregated momentum transfer spectrum.

Abstract: A method and system for providing enhanced intelligent agents that are moveable by a user from a browser application to a desktop. In specific embodiments, agents provide advanced interactive graphics and communications back to a server.

Abstract: Use of the present invention provides a method and system for selecting the winning tickets in a lottery game. The method adds to traditional lottery games a social network element, which will influence the winning ticket selection process. The top prize level is still determined by a traditional random draw, but lower-level prizes are determined based on a ticket-holder's proximity in the social network to players that won the higher-level prizes. In a simple form the 2nd level prizes will go to players that have direct connections in the social network (friends) to a 1st prize winner. Players can manage their social network independently from purchasing the tickets. Traditional sales outlets may be used for ticket sale. Pre-existing social networks may be utilized in the dedicated social network for the game.

Abstract: Use of the present invention provides a method and system for selecting the winning tickets in a lottery game. The method adds to traditional lottery games a social network element, which will influence the winning ticket selection process. The top prize level is still determined by a traditional random draw, but lower-level prizes are determined based on a ticket-holder's proximity in the social network to players that won the higher-level prizes. In a simple form the 2nd level prizes will go to players that have direct connections in the social network (friends) to a 1st prize winner. Players can manage their social network independently from purchasing the tickets. Traditional sales outlets may be used for ticket sale. Pre-existing social networks may be utilized in the dedicated social network for the game.

Abstract: A method and system for providing enhanced intelligent agents that are moveable by a user from a browser application to a desktop. In specific embodiments, agents provide advanced interactive graphics and communications back to a server.

Abstract: Use of the present invention provides a method and system for generating the winning combination of numbers in a lottery game. The method determines a winning number combination from among a plurality of number combination entries submitted by a plurality of players, each of which could submit their entries from a plurality of locations. A unique algorithm assigns significance to the position of the numbers in each number combination entry by presenting the players with a template comprised of a plurality of sections. After all number combination entries have been received, the winning numbers are generated by a hybrid process. In at least one of the sections, the winning selection is the selection in that section that received the least bets among all the possible selections in the current game cycle. The winning numbers for the remaining sections are generated by a traditional random drawing. Concatenating the winning selections in all sections thus forms the winning number combination.

Abstract: A system for detecting contraband. A container is scanned with a first type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on results of the first scan, a plurality of risk values, which correspond to particular types of contraband, are generated. The container is then scanned with a second type (and/or a third type) of contraband detection apparatus. Based on the results of the second scan (and/or the third scan), the risk values are modified. If the combined risk values are above a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered.

Abstract: A method and system for an interactive globe, which is use to view web content and which adds a geographic context to such content.

Abstract: A contraband detection system includes a first contraband detection apparatus designed to perform a first scan on an object and a second contraband detection apparatus positioned in-line with the first contraband detection apparatus to perform a second scan on the object. A computer is included in the contraband detection system and is programmed to cause the first contraband detection apparatus to perform the first scan and acquire object data therefrom. The computer is further programmed to identify one or more regions of interest (ROI) in the object based on the object data, cause the second contraband detection apparatus to perform the second scan on the one or more identified ROIs, and acquire object data from the second scan.

Abstract: Methods for managing risk values at divestiture (e.g., a passenger checks luggage) and aggregating risk values over a grouped entity (e.g. a passenger with all his/her items).

Abstract: An integrated detection system that includes a first threat detection apparatus and a second threat detection apparatus is provided. The first threat detection apparatus may identify one or more areas within an item of baggage that may contain threats. Example threats include, but are not limited to, explosives, weapons, illegal drugs, and hazardous matter, among others. The remaining areas are in theory deemed clear of threats. The second threat detection apparatus may be configured to inspect only the suspect areas of the item of baggage that was previously identified by the first threat detection apparatus. This improves throughput and lowers the false positive rate. A method for intelligently fusing the independent information obtained by the first and second threat detection apparatuses is also provided.

Abstract: A system for detecting contraband. A container is scanned with a first type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on results of the first scan, a plurality of risk values, which correspond to particular types of contraband, are generated. The container is then scanned with a second type (and/or a third type) of contraband detection apparatus. Based on the results of the second scan (and/or the third scan), the risk values are modified.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a contraband detection apparatus is provided and a method of detecting contraband are provided. A container is scanned with a first type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on results of the first scan, a plurality of risk values, which correspond to particular types of contraband, are generated. The container is then scanned with a second type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on the results of the second scan, the risk values are modified. If the combined risk values are above a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered.

Abstract: An integrated detection system that includes a first threat detection apparatus and a second threat detection apparatus is provided. The first threat detection apparatus may identify one or more areas within an item of baggage that may contain threats. Example threats include, but are not limited to, explosives, weapons, illegal drugs, and hazardous matter, among others. The remaining areas are in theory deemed clear of threats. The second threat detection apparatus may be configured to inspect only the suspect areas of the item of baggage that was previously identified by the first threat detection apparatus. This improves throughput and lowers the false positive rate. A method for intelligently fusing the independent information obtained by the first and second threat detection apparatuses is also provided.