Abstract: An optical system (31) for analysing biological processes comprising: a biological process vessel (33) comprising a chamber and an optical interface element (34) for optically coupling the chamber to an optical emitter, a wavelength discrimination component, and an optical detector when a biological process fluid in the chamber is being analysed, the optical interface element being configured to couple light in the mid-infrared range; an optical emitter (351) configured to emit light in the mid-infrared range; an optical detector (353) configured to detect light in the mid-infrared range; a wavelength discrimination component (352); an alignment component (42) for aligning the optical emitter, optical detector, and wavelength discrimination component with the optical interface element; and a processor (354) configured to: receive outputs from the optical detector; and process the received outputs from the optical detector to provide an indication of the constituents of a biological process fluid in the chambe

Abstract: A lens system comprises a first electro-active lens comprising a first focus sensor coupled to a first processor and a second electro-active lens comprising a second focus sensor coupled to a second processor. The first focus sensor periodically generates electromagnetic signals and detects electectromagnetic signals generated by the second focus sensor. The second focus sensor periodically generates electromagnetic signals and detects electectromagnetic signals generated by the second focus sensor. The first processor receives an indication of the second electromagnetic signals and, based on the received indication of the second electromagnetic signals, determines a relative convergence angle between the first and second electro-active lenses. Based on the determined relative convergence angle, the first processor determines a focal setting for the first electro-active lens and controls an electroactive element in the first electro-active lens, based on the determined focal setting.

Abstract: A lens system comprises a first electro-active lens comprising a first focus sensor coupled to a first processor and a second electro-active lens comprising a second focus sensor coupled to a second processor. The first focus sensor periodically generates electromagnetic signals and detects electectromagnetic signals generated by the second focus sensor. The second focus sensor periodically generates electromagnetic signals and detects electectromagnetic signals generated by the second focus sensor. The first processor receives an indication of the second electromagnetic signals and, based on the received indication of the second electromagnetic signals, determines a relative convergence angle between the first and second electro-active lenses. Based on the determined relative convergence angle, the first processor determines a focal setting for the first electro-active lens and controls an electroactive element in the first electro-active lens, based on the determined focal setting.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a medical implant is disclosed. The system (10,210,310,410) includes on-board electronics, a signal generator (15,215), an amplifier (16,216), a coil (14,214), a receiver (22,222), and a processor (20,220). The on-board electronics (100, 110) include a power harvester, a sensor, a microprocessor, and a data transmitter. The signal generator (15,215) generates a first signal, the amplifier (16,216) amplifies the first signal, the coil (14,214) transmits the amplified signal, the power harvester receives the first signal and transmits a data packet (18,218) containing data, the receiver (22,222) receives the data packet (18,218), and the processor (20,220) either processes the data or sends the data to a data storage device.

Abstract: An RFID tag (200) and similar control/sensing unit (300) for a communications system are described. The control/sensing unit has a control element (301) having one or more states, and include an antenna (207) as well as an electrical circuit (201-206) generating a pulse control signal for controlling transmission from the antenna and varying a parameter of the pulse control signal in dependence on the state of the control element (301). Also disclosed is a receiving communication unit in the form of a base unit or system controller for such a communications system, the unit including a receiver (100) for receiving a pulsed RF signal and an electrical circuit (105-106) for detecting a parameter of the pulsed RF signal. An output circuit (107) then produces an output control signal dependent on the detected parameter of the pulsed RF signal.

Abstract: An RFID transceiver tag is proposed for use in a monitoring system for detecting a change in position of the tag relative to an associated RFID tag or to the environment surrounding or between the tags. The transceiver tag has a detector for detecting a characteristic of a signal transmitted between the transceiver tag and the associated RFID tag and for creating a trigger signal if the detector detects that the characteristic has changed beyond a predetermined extent; and a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote controller on receipt of the trigger signal from the detector.