Abstract: The present invention is an automated image analysis framework for cervical cancerous lesion detection. The present invention uses domain-specific diagnostic features in a probabilistic manner using conditional random fields. In addition, the present invention discloses a novel window-based performance assessment scheme for two-dimensional image analysis, which addresses the intrinsic problem of image misalignment. As a domain-specific anatomical feature, image regions corresponding to different tissue types are extracted from cervical images taken before and after the application of acetic acid during a clinical exam. The unique optical properties of each tissue type and the diagnostic relationships between neighboring regions are incorporated in the conditional random field model. The output provides information about both the tissue severity and the location of cancerous tissue in an image.

Abstract: A marine electromagnetic streamer includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along a longitudinal dimension of the streamer. At least one signal processing module is disposed at a selected position along the streamer. A multipole switch associated with the at least one module is electrically coupled between a signal input of the signal processing module and selected pairs of the electrodes. The switch is configured to enable the selected pairs coupled to the switch such that selection thereof results in at least one of selected electrode spacing and selected electrode offset from an electromagnetic energy source.

Abstract: A marine electromagnetic receiver cable includes a plurality of signal processing modules disposed at spaced apart locations along the receiver cable. A power supply line is connected to each of the signal processing modules and to an electric current source. A current regulation device is connected in the power supply line proximate each signal processing module. The current regulation devices are connected such that an amount of current flowing through the power supply line is substantially constant. At least one electromagnetic receiver is functionally coupled to an input of each signal processing module.

Abstract: A method for acquiring electromagnetic data in at least two dimensions includes towing a first streamer cable behind a vessel in a body of water, the first streamer cable including a reference line extending substantially along the entire length thereof, a plurality of spaced apart measuring electrodes electrically insulated from the reference line and a voltage measuring circuit functionally coupled between each measuring electrode and the reference line. At least a second streamer cable is towed at corresponding distance from the vessel. The second streamer cable is configured substantially as the first streamer cable. The second streamer cable is displaced from the first streamer cable in one of a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. At selected times an electromagnetic field is imparted into the water.

Abstract: A marine sensor streamer includes a jacket covering an exterior of the streamer. At least one strength member extends the length of the jacket. At least one stiffener element extends inside the length of the jacket. The at least one stiffener element includes a gas filling the interior of a flexible, compressible tube and filler elements disposed in the gas. The filler elements have exterior shape and surface roughness such that upon compression of the gas, the filler elements are urged into contact with each other, causing the streamer to become substantially rigid.

Abstract: A method for towing marine geophysical sensor streamers in a body of water includes moving a towing vessel at a selected speed along the surface of the body of water. At least one geophysical sensor streamer is towed by the vessel at a selected depth in the water. A velocity of the streamer in the water is measured at at least one position along the streamer. The selected speed of the towing vessel is adjusted if the measured velocity exceeds a selected threshold.

Abstract: A marine electromagnetic sensor cable includes a first jacket covering an exterior of the cable. At least one wire loop is disposed on the exterior of the first jacket. The wire loop is shaped to have a magnetic dipole moment along a selected direction. A contact ring is disposed inside the first jacket to make electrical connection between the at least one wire loop and an associated signal processing circuit disposed inside the first jacket.

Abstract: A method for operating a geophysical sensor streamer in body of water includes operating a remotely operated vehicle coupled to a forward end of the streamer to tow the streamer in the water. Signals generate by sensors on the streamer are communicated substantially in real time to a recording unit on a survey vessel using at least one of electrical and optical cables in an umbilical cable connecting the remotely operable vehicle to the survey vessel.

Abstract: A depth and level control system for a geophysical streamer according to one aspect of the invention includes a plurality of tilt sensors disposed at spaced apart locations along the streamer. The tilt sensors each have a first tilt sensing element arranged to measure tilt of the streamer along a longitudinal dimension thereof. A controller is in signal communication with each tilt sensor. A depth control device is in signal communication with each controller. The controller is programmed to operate the depth control device to cause the streamer to be level as measured by the tilt sensor.

Abstract: An SCR-injection unit includes an injector, a sleeve element for fixing the injector to a flange of an exhaust gas pipe, and a cooling body. According to the invention, the sleeve element has an elongated thin-walled connecting section, one axial end of which is indirectly connected to the flange of the exhaust gas pipe and the other axial end of which is indirectly connected to a supporting structure for the injector.

Abstract: A receiver streamer system for marine electromagnetic surveying includes a first streamer, and a second streamer disposed substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first streamer. A first pair of electrodes is associated with the first streamer and a second pair of electrodes is associated with the second streamer. Each of the first and second pairs of electrodes is functionally associated with a voltage measuring circuit configured to measure voltage along an inline direction. At least one electrode on each of the first and second streamers is configured and associated with a voltage measuring circuit to make voltage measurements in a cross-line direction.

Abstract: A marine electromagnetic sensor system includes a sensor cable having at least one electromagnetic sensor thereon. A first calibration electrode is disposed on the cable on one side of the sensor. A second calibration electrode is disposed on the cable on an opposite side of the sensor. A calibration power supply is coupled to the first and second calibration electrodes. A measuring circuit is coupled to the sensor. A method for calibrating marine electromagnetic survey electrodes includes imparting electric current between calibration electrodes disposed at spaced apart locations on a cable deployed in the water. Voltages impressed across a pair of electrodes disposed on the cable between the calibration electrodes are detected in response to the current. A change in sensitivity of the at least one pair of electrodes is determined using the detected voltages.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and systems for improved focusing of imaging systems for the acquisition of high-quality focused tissue image data. A light emitter (L) aims a focusing light beam (FLB) towards an object of interest (O) so that the focusing light beam (FLB) is at an angle relative to the optical axis (OA) of the imager (I). If the object of interest (O) is out of focus, the focusing light spot (FLS) will appear above or below the focal point in the image (I). The pixel difference between the center of the focusing light spot (FLS) and the focal point indicates the range adjustment value. The range between the imager (I) and the object of interest (O) can then be adjusted according to the range adjustment value using a lookup table or calculations.

Abstract: A detector for a marine electromagnetic survey system includes a housing arranged to minimize turbulence when the housing is towed through a body of water, and to minimize motion of the housing in any direction other than the tow direction. The housing includes at least one of an electric field and a magnetic field sensing element associated therewith.

Abstract: A process for determining whether tissue is precancer, in which tests discriminating between precancer and benign tissue and between precancer and normal tissue are combined, and tissue that is classified as precancer in both tests is determined to be precancer, in which neither of the tests to be combined is the most selective. Further, a process and device in which certain optimal wavelengths of glycogen, phosphate and lipid, but not protein, discriminate between normal and precancer tissues.

Abstract: A process for maintaining 3 dimensional orientation between a tissue specimen and images of the area of investigation, to register histopathologic diagnoses of multiple locations within the specimen with corresponding locations on the surface of said area of investigation, by marking at least two fiduciary lines on the area of investigation; acquiring a fiduciary image of the tissue with the fiduciary lines; excising the tissue to form a tissue specimen; inserting at least two parallel needles through said specimen; acquiring a specimen image of the specimen with inserted needles over an alignment grid; fixing the specimen by immersing the specimen; acquiring a fixed image of the fixed specimen with the inserted needles over the alignment grid; forming a paraffin mold containing the fixed specimen and inserted needles; injecting different colored inks through the needles while withdrawing them from the fixed specimen, so that different colored needle tracks are formed in the specimen; sectioning the specimen

Abstract: A method for reducing motion induced voltage in marine electromagnetic measurements includes measuring an electromagnetic field parameter at at least one position along a sensor cable towed through a body of water. Motion of the sensor cable is measured at at least one position along the cable; Voltage induced in the cable is estimated from the motion measurements. The measured electromagnetic field parameter is corrected using the estimated voltages.

Abstract: This invention uses LEDs and cross-polarization to produce bright, high-resolution digital images, both with and without glint (which adversely affects the clarity of standard colposcopic images), as well as streaming video at lower resolution. The invention allows for deeper layers of the tissue to be more efficiently visualized at multiple magnifications, thereby enhancing the invention's diagnostic capabilities, and it includes a focusing subsystem and a computerized data management system to archive and annotate still image data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the detection of atypical vessels in digital cervical imagery. A pre-processing stage is applied to enhance the contrast of blood vessel features compared to the surrounding tissue. Next, a segmentation stage is applied to identify regions of interest for atypical vessels using texture and gradient information. Finally, a post-processing stage (1) identifies other clinically relevant features in the cervical imager, and removes these features from the region of interest; and (2) uses color, size, and shape information to further refine the region of interest to eliminate false positives and determine a final region of interest. This automated method of atypical vessel detection is especially useful for diagnostic purposes such as cervical cancer detection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and systems for improved focusing of imaging systems for the acquisition of high-quality focused tissue image data. A light emitter (L) aims a focusing light beam (FLB) towards an object of interest (O) so that the focusing light beam (FLB) is at an angle relative to the optical axis (OA) of the imager (I). If the object of interest (O) is out of focus, the focusing light spot (FLS) will appear above or below the focal point in the image (I). The pixel difference between the center of the focusing light spot (FLS) and the focal point indicates the range adjustment value. The range between the imager (I) and the object of interest (O) can then be adjusted according to the range adjustment value using a lookup table or calculations.