Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging system (10) for assessing scoliosis, the system (10) comprising: an ultrasound scanner (11) to capture ultrasound images; a spatial sensor (13) to record the position and orientation of the captured ultrasound images; and a software module (21) to mark features of vertebra in the captured ultrasound images, and the marked features (41) are connected with lines (42) in order to calculate angles and distances between the marked features (41) for the calculation of the Cobb angle and spinal rotation angle based on the calculated angles and distances; wherein the marked features (41) are a reflection of the surfaces of the vertebra.

Abstract: A cutting cultivation medium, containing at least: the following components in the following volume percentages: pine scales 20-50%, vermiculite 10-40%, peat 15-40%, and perlite 10-30%, 300-700 g trace elements per cubic meter of cultivation medium being added. A preparation method for a cutting cultivation medium containing at least the following steps: mixing components and trace elements and molding them into a rod-shaped cultivation medium covered by a reticular fiber having a diameter between 4-7 cm, and cutting it into a cylinder body with a length of 5-7 cm and thus a final product is obtained. The cutting cultivation medium provides a good medium environment for cutting cultivation of plants, significantly reduces cultivation time of cutting seedlings, extends wilting time of seedlings after nursery, and provides longer transportation time and a higher survival rate for transplanting of the cutting seedlings.

Abstract: A method for controlling video frame stream at a transmitting end of video phone is provided. The method predetermines whether receiving the current frame will cause delay based on a situation of transmitting and compression of the previous video frames. If the result of the predetermination is yes, the current video frame is skipped; if the result of the predetermination is no, the follow-up compression, multiplexing and transmitting of the current video frame are performed.

Abstract: An portable tracking device integrating a mobile phone module (e.g. based on GSM or 3G networks), a GPS module, a radio Beacon and ultrasonic beacon. The tracking device is normally in a hibernated state when the entire device consumes little energy and require no periodically changing or recharging batteries to power the device. It consumes power from the primary battery only when a tracking process is actually taken place. With this portable tracking device on the person who is unable to affirmatively report his or her whereabout, the remote center and/or a search team can communicate the GPS module, radio beacon and ultrasonic beacon of the tracking device via the mobile phone module based on existing wireless communication technologies, such SMS, GPRS, ect, on GSM or 3 G networks, which also serves as a means of initial rough estimation of the tracking device's location.

Abstract: A method for performing ultrasound imaging and elasticity measurement, the method includes scanning an object to obtain a B-mode ultrasound image, selecting an A-mode signal from the B-mode ultrasound image, transmitting a high frame rate ultrasound signal, by a selected group of ultrasound transducers, at the selected A-mode signal location, forming a transient M-mode image based on the high frame rate ultrasound signal, enhancing propagation trace of shear wave based on the transient M-mode image, calculating elasticity of the object based on the propagation trace and displaying result, and displaying, simultaneously, the B-mode ultrasound image and the transient M-mode measurement result.

Abstract: A cutting cultivation medium, containing at least: the following components in the following volume percentages: pine scales 20-50%, vermiculite 10-40%, peat 15-40%, and perlite 10-30%, 300-700 g trace elements per cubic meter of cultivation medium being added. A preparation method for a cutting cultivation medium containing at least the following steps: mixing components and trace elements and molding them into a rod-shaped cultivation medium covered by a reticular fiber having a diameter between 4-7 cm, and cutting it into a cylinder body with a length of 5-7 cm and thus a final product is obtained. The cutting cultivation medium provides a good medium environment for cutting cultivation of plants, significantly reduces cultivation time of cutting seedlings, extends wilting time of seedlings after nursery, and provides longer transportation time and a higher survival rate for transplanting of the cutting seedlings.

Abstract: A wireless ultrasonic scanning system comprises an ultrasonic sensor, a motor, an ultrasonic transceiver, a high-speed data sampling module, a motor controller and a master control module. The ultrasonic sensor, which moves in accordance with control of the motor controller, is mounted on the motor. The ultrasonic transceiver activates the ultrasonic sensor and amplifies a received ultrasonic signal. The high-speed data sampling module wirelessly transmits radio-frequency ultrasonic data to the master control module. The master control module sets a scanning mode, initiates a scanning process, and wirelessly transmits control signals and control parameters to the high-speed data sampling module.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging system (10) for assessing scoliosis, the system (10) comprising: an ultrasound scanner (11) to capture ultrasound images; a spatial sensor (13) to record the position and orientation of the captured ultrasound images; and a software module (21) to mark features of vertebra in the captured ultrasound images, and the marked features (41) are connected with lines (42) in order to calculate angles and distances between the marked features (41) for the calculation of the Cobb angle and spinal rotation angle based on the calculated angles and distances; wherein the marked features (41) are a reflection of the surfaces of the vertebra.

Abstract: A method for performing ultrasound imaging and elasticity measurement, the method includes scanning an object to obtain a B-mode ultrasound image, selecting an A-mode signal from the B-mode ultrasound image, transmitting a high frame rate ultrasound signal, by a selected group of ultrasound transducers, at the selected A-mode signal location, forming a transient M-mode image based on the high frame rate ultrasound signal, enhancing propagation trace of shear wave based on the transient M-mode image, calculating elasticity of the object based on the propagation trace and displaying result, and displaying, simultaneously, the B-mode ultrasound image and the transient M-mode measurement result.

Abstract: A method for controlling video frame stream at a transmitting end of video phone is provided. The method predetermines whether receiving the current frame will cause delay based on a situation of transmitting and compression of the previous video frames. If the result of the predetermination is yes, the current video frame is skipped; if the result of the predetermination is no, the follow-up compression, multiplexing and transmitting of the current video frame are performed.

Abstract: A method for an audio or video (A/V) capable mobile device includes responding to a call from a mobile device at a locale where the A/V capable mobile device is placed for monitoring an area of the locale, and determining whether the call corresponds to a designated identification for activating the A/V capable mobile device to monitor the area of the locale. The method also includes responding to the call from the mobile device if the call corresponds to the designated identification to activate the A/V capable mobile device. Upon responding to the call, the A/V capable mobile device monitors the area of the locale.

Abstract: An portable tracking device integrating a mobile phone module (e.g. based on GSM or 3G networks), a GPS module, a radio Beacon and ultrasonic beacon. The tracking device is normally in a hibernated state when the entire device consumes little energy and require no periodically changing or recharging batteries to power the device. It consumes power from the primary battery only when a tracking process is actually taken place. With this portable tracking device on the person who is unable to affirmatively report his or her whereabout, the remote center and/or a search team can communicate the GPS module, radio beacon and ultrasonic beacon of the tracking device via the mobile phone module based on existing wireless communication technologies, such SMS, GPRS, ect, on GSM or 3 G networks, which also serves as a means of initial rough estimation of the tracking device's location.

Abstract: A process for measuring a property of a sample is provided. The sample has an external surface enclosing an inner portion, and firstly, the sample is deformed by applying a predetermined non-contact pressure to deform a portion of the sample. Then a signal, which is at least suitable for transmission over the air, is directed towards the deformed portion of the sample, and further propagates through the external surface and the inner portion of the sample. Then an echoed signal generated by the inner portion of the sample in response to the propagation of the signal is detected; wherein the echoed signal incorporates information relating to a deformation of the inner portion of the sample. The property of the sample is determined from the deformation of the inner portion of the sample.

Abstract: A process for measuring a property of a sample is provided. The sample has an external surface enclosing an inner portion, and firstly, the sample is deformed by applying a predetermined non-contact pressure to deform a portion of the sample. Then a signal, which is at least suitable for transmission over the air, is directed towards the deformed portion of the sample, and further propagates through the external surface and the inner portion of the sample. Then an echoed signal generated by the inner portion of the sample in response to the propagation of the signal is detected; wherein the echoed signal incorporates information relating to a deformation of the inner portion of the sample. The property of the sample is determined from the deformation of the inner portion of the sample.

Abstract: A method for indirectly assessing the gesture, posture or movement of a body part of a person includes transmitting an ultrasound signal into the soft tissue, particularly the muscle, of body part and manipulating the reflected ultrasound signal to obtain parameter data. The parameter data is compared to reference information to obtain gesture, posture or movement information for the body part. Apparatus includes an ultrasound transmitter and receiver for transmitting, a signal processor, and a processor for storing reference information and determining gesture, posture or movement information for the body part.

Abstract: A method for indirectly assessing the gesture, posture or movement of a body part of a person includes transmitting an ultrasound signal into the soft tissue, particularly the muscle, of body part and manipulating the reflected ultrasound signal to obtain parameter data. The parameter data is compared to reference information to obtain gesture, posture or movement information for the body part. Apparatus includes an ultrasound transmitter and receiver for transmitting, a signal processor, and a processor for storing reference information and determining gesture, posture or movement information for the body part.