Abstract: An airborne or liquid particle sensor with a number of advanced features is disclosed. The sensor includes an output channel generating an electrical signal for a particle passing through the sensor, where the electrical signal includes information related to the pulse. The information is processed by the sensor to determine a value that indicates a more accurate particle mass for a sample period than the average mass.

Abstract: An airborne or liquid particle sensor with a number of advanced features is disclosed. The sensor includes an output channel generating an electrical signal for a particle passing through the sensor, where the electrical signal includes information related to the pulse. The information is processed by the sensor to determine a value that indicates a more accurate particle mass for a sample period than the average mass.

Abstract: The respirator fit monitor described herein can be worn continuously by users so as to provide an indication as to how well their masks are fitting during use, thereby providing quantitative, wearable fit testers available for continuous use in real-life situations. The monitor includes a low-cost optical particle sensor assembly and controller unit for performing mask fit tests by comparing particle concentrations inside and outside of the mask. The fit test monitor is low cost and wearable, capable of dual sampling, capable of fit factor ratios well above 100, is battery powered and provides near real time measurements with a means for indicating the fit of the mask. The system includes wired or wireless communications for data logging, analysis and display capabilities.

Abstract: In order to support determination of a disease stage, there are provided a medical image processing system, an endoscope system, a diagnostic support apparatus, and a medical service support apparatus for reliably acquiring an index value relevant to visibility with respect to the state of red blood cells or the degree of irregularity of a gland duct structure according to the disease stage determination accuracy desired by a doctor. A light source unit emits a plurality of illumination light beams having different wavelength bands and different visibilities for red blood cells. An image acquisition unit acquires a plurality of medical images corresponding to respective illumination light beams by imaging an observation target illuminated with the respective illumination light beams. A red blood cell index value acquisition unit acquires a red blood cell index value, which is obtained by indexing the visibility of red blood cells, from each of the medical images.

Abstract: An optical particle counter determines the velocity of particles passing through a particle detection zone, and thereby the velocity of gas flow, from both the measured time of flight of discrete particles and also the size of intensity peaks of scattered light. This is used to determine particle concentration and may be used to control an optional fan.

Abstract: A particle measuring system including two drying units. One drying unit serves to dry fine particles, and the other drying unit serves to regenerate a dehumidifying agent. The dehumidifying agent is regenerated and used semi-permanently without being replaced with a replacement and is used more conveniently without the inconvenience of a dehumidifying agent replacing operation. The continuity and accuracy of a measurement result is improved.

Abstract: An analysis device includes a turntable, an optical pickup, and a controller. The turntable holds a disc for specimen analysis having a reaction region on which fine particles binding to substances to be detected are captured per track. The optical pickup emits laser light to the reaction region, receives a reflected light from the reaction region, and generates a reception level signal of the light. The controller sequentially generates a plurality of measurement gate signals per track for counting the number of the fine particles captured on the reaction region, counts the number of the fine particles per measurement gate signal from the reception level signal, compares measurement results obtained in positions having a symmetric relation with each other in the reaction region, and defines a measurement-result-correction target region for correcting the number of the fine particles.

Abstract: A storage and dosing station for storage and dispensing dosed quantities of solid drug portions. A stationary part of the station is to be mounted to a frame of an apparatus for packaging solid drug portions, the stationary part comprising a first part of a dispensing device. A controller and a drive for driving an individualizing mechanism for dispensing separate solid drug portions is comprised by the first part. A detachable part is coupled to the stationary part and comprises a storage container for receiving a plurality of solid drug portions. A second part of the dispensing device, and an information memory means is comprised in the second part. Information reading means on the stationary part are coupled to the controller, wherein the information reading means can read information stored in the information memory means, if the detachable part is coupled to the stationary part.

Abstract: One embodiment is an apparatus including a detector circuit electrically coupled between a signal source and a second circuit, the signal source generating a first signal, the detector circuit detecting a level of the first signal and generating a first control signal when the detected level of the first signal exceeds a first threshold value, and a clamping switch electrically coupled to receive the first control signal from the detector circuit, the clamping switch including a multi-terminal active device. The first control signal controls a state of the clamping switch such that the clamping switch clamps a level of a signal applied to the second circuit when the level of the first signal exceeds the first threshold value.

Abstract: A test and measurement instrument including an input port configured to receive an input signal. One or more divider circuits, coupled to the input port, employ a plurality of divide ratios such that each divide ratio scales an event signal indicating events in the input signal by a predetermined integer value. A control system is also included. The control system is configured to iteratively determine an estimated signal frequency of the event signal, and automatically select a divide ratio for the event signal based on the estimated signal frequency. The instrument may also include one or more counters to count triggers in the event signal subsequent to application of the divide ratio. The instrument may also employ frequency hysteresis to prevent chatter in divide ratio selection.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices to measure particle suspension concentrations in the presence of potential interferents. Particle back-scatter readings are taken at light wavelengths that are absorbed by the medium before interacting with surrounding objects. Source-detector spacings are minimized compared to the mean absorbance path length of light, thereby maximizing the range of sensitivity to particle concentration. Discrimination against potentially interfering particles, such as bubbles, is provided by mapping the signal distribution against the central signal value and/or by the use of statistical measures with reduced dependence on outliers. The methods and devices allow accurate particle concentration readings over a wide range of concentration in environments crowded with potentially interfering objects and in the presence of variable concentrations and sizes of potentially interfering particles.

Abstract: A measurement device comprising a measurement unit adapted to measure a transmission characteristic for providing an eye pattern; and a conversion unit adapted to convert automatically the eye pattern into a character separated values, CSV, file.

Abstract: Traffic-counting methods and apparatus are disclosed. The methods may include, in a view of traffic comprising moving objects, identifying first and second regions of interest (ROIs). The methods may also include obtaining first and second image data respectively representing the first and second ROIs. The methods may also include analyzing the first and second image data over time. The methods may further include, based on the analyses of the first and second image data, counting the moving objects and determining moving directions of the moving objects.

Abstract: A pressure support device implements compensation for variations in air density of its operating environment. A pressurized flow of breathable gas is generated for delivery to the airway of a subject. One or more parameters associated with the ambient environment of the pressure support device are determined. These parameters can include one or more of an ambient barometric air pressure, an ambient air temperature, or ambient air humidity. In some embodiments, one or more assumed parameters associated with the ambient environment of the pressure support device are determined based on typical sleeping conditions of the subject. An ambient air density of the ambient environment of the pressure support device is estimated based on one or more of the parameters and/or assumed parameters. A flow rate of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is adjusted based on the estimated ambient air density of the ambient environment of the pressure support device.

Abstract: The present application discloses a display panel having a plurality of gate lines and a gate driving circuit for driving the plurality of gate lines, the gate driving circuit including a plurality of first cascaded shift register units and a plurality of second cascaded shift register units for applying gate scanning signals to gate lines connected thereto.

Abstract: An image-based object counting method includes rasterizing a counting line in an image into counting line pixels; determining two points on a trajectory line included in the image, as target pixels; determining, from the counting line pixels, corresponding pixels that corresponds to the target pixels; determining whether the counting line intersects with the trajectory line based on the target pixels and the corresponding pixels; and determining the number of one or more trajectory lines including the trajectory line that intersect with the counting line as the number of objects that pass through the counting line.

Abstract: A system for determining the growth/dissolution rate of colloidal particles is disclosed and includes multiple light sources and multiple sensors. A light source is constructed to emit a beam of electromagnetic radiation at a specimen chamber that holds the colloidal particles. The chamber allows a portion of the combined beam to scatter perpendicularly or at some other angle to the combined beam. The scattered portion of the beam is directed to a sensor that detects electromagnetic radiation. The sensor is connected to processor that activates the light source and obtains an image from the sensor. Multiple images are taken at a time interval and for each image taken, and a total image intensity level is calculated and normalized. A formula is then calculated that fits the normalized values over time and a slope is determined from the formula.

Abstract: The disclosure features systems and methods for measuring and diagnosing target constituents bound to labeling particles in a sample. The systems include a radiation source, a sample holder, a detector configured to obtain one or more diffraction patterns of the sample each including information corresponding to optical properties of sample constituents, and an electronic processor configured to, for each of the one or more diffraction patterns: (a) analyze the diffraction pattern to obtain amplitude information and phase information corresponding to the sample constituents; (b) identify one or more particle-bound target sample constituents based on at least one of the amplitude information and the phase information; and (c) determine an amount of at least one of the particle-bound target sample constituents in the sample based on at least one of the amplitude information and the phase information.

Abstract: Technology is provided for an aqueous solution constituent analyzer. The analyzer includes an ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) with a current source providing variable current thereto. A spectrometer is positioned for receiving light from the LED transmitted through an aqueous solution. A controller receives radiant flux data for a plurality of wavelengths and determines, based on the radiant flux data, a usable number of the plurality of wavelengths that satisfies a relative uncertainty threshold. The controller can increase the current to the LED if the usable number of wavelengths is less than a minimum threshold and calculate a concentration of a constituent of interest in the solution. The controller can also determine a peak wavelength of the plurality of wavelengths having the greatest intensity value, and decrease the current level to the LED if the peak wavelength has an intensity value greater than a saturation value for the spectrometer.

Abstract: A first method comprises using an imaging device to produce a plurality of images of a culture device, analyzing a first image to identify a microorganism colony at a first location, analyzing a second image to identify a gas bubble at a second location, and determining whether the first location is proximate the second location. A second method comprises analyzing an image of a culture device to detect gas bubbles and classifying the gas bubbles according to a size parameter associated with each of the gas bubbles. A third method comprises analyzing a first area of an image of a culture device to detect a first number of gas bubbles, analyzing a second area of the image to detect a second number of gas bubbles, and comparing the first number of gas bubbles to the second number of gas bubbles.

Abstract: A region-based motion detection method and a related monitoring camera device are applied to detect an object's motion on a frame. The region-based motion detection method includes dividing a current frame into a plurality of first template arrays, dividing a first reference frame into a plurality of second template arrays, acquiring characteristic values of one of the first template arrays and a corresponding second template array, comparing the characteristic value of the foresaid first template array with the characteristic value of the corresponding second template array by matching process, and executing motion detection of the current frame according to a matching result.

Abstract: A method of identifying microbial colonies in a culture device is provided. The method comprises using an imaging device to produce a first image of a thin film culture device while providing illumination to a front side of the device and to produce a second image of the thin film culture device while providing illumination to a back side of the device. The method further comprises analyzing the first and second images to identify microorganism colonies in each image, analyzing the first and second images values of a size parameter for a colony at a particular location in the culture device, and comparing the values. The method can be used to differentiate and count at least two colony types.

Abstract: A first method comprises using an imaging device to produce a plurality of images of a culture device, analyzing a first image to identify a microorganism colony at a first location, analyzing a second image to identify a gas bubble at a second location, and determining whether the first location is proximate the second location. A second method comprises analyzing an image of a culture device to detect gas bubbles and classifying the gas bubbles according to a size parameter associated with each of the gas bubbles. A third method comprises analyzing a first area of an image of a culture device to detect a first number of gas bubbles, analyzing a second area of the image to detect a second number of gas bubbles, and comparing the first number of gas bubbles to the second number of gas bubbles.

Abstract: A self-contained pill dispenser is disclosed. A housing is provided and a hopper for containing a plurality of pills is supported by the housing. A transport tube receives pills from the hopper. The transport tube has a controllable aperture for facilitating or inhibiting delivery of pills to the transport tube. A microcontroller is also operatively connected to the hopper, the transport tube, and the input aperture. Optionally, a feed chute can be operatively connected between the hopper and the transport tube. The system can self-calibrate the mechanism for counting and dispensing pills by dynamically adjusting the input aperture based upon the stored information representative of the pulse width signal and the amplitude signal.

Abstract: A method of identifying microbial colonies in a culture device is provided. The method comprises using an imaging device to produce a first image of a thin film culture device while providing illumination to a front side of the device and to produce a second image of the thin film culture device while providing illumination to a back side of the device. The method further comprises analyzing the first and second images to identify microorganism colonies in each image, analyzing the first and second images values of a size parameter for a colony at a particular location in the culture device, and comparing the values. The method can be used to differentiate and count at least two colony types.

Abstract: A cell analysis apparatus that can accurately distinguish between an aggregating cell and a non-aggregating cell is provided.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus includes a chamber for receiving a substrate therein, and a measurement part for measuring an air particle concentration in a processing space provided in the chamber. An air particle concentration in the processing space provided in the chamber is measured by the measurement part. The air particle concentration is correlated with the number of particles attached to a substrate received in the chamber. Accordingly, by conducting a particle test after the air particle concentration in the processing space is lowered to an air particle concentration corresponding to the number of particles existing on the substrate which can pass the particle test, the number of times the particle test should be conducted after maintenance of the heat treatment apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including: a plurality of function block units each including a plurality of latch circuits; a current prediction unit that predicts a variation amount of current consumed by each of the function block units; an operation control unit that, if any of the variation amounts predicted by the current prediction unit exceeds a threshold value, operates the latch circuits included in a predetermined number of target function block units for a predetermined period, the predetermined number of target function block units being chosen from function block units not operating among the plurality of function block units; and a restore control unit that, after the predetermined period passes, restores information held by the latch circuits included in the predetermined number of target function block units, to information held by the latch circuits before the operation for the predetermined period.

Abstract: An image measurement apparatus includes: an image acquiring unit that acquires a sample image that is an image obtained by capturing an image of a sample; a standard color space converting unit that converts the sample image into a standard sample image that is an image in a standard color space; a color distribution normalizing unit that converts the standard sample image into a normalized sample image by converting pixel values of pixels in the standard sample image to cause a color distribution vector indicating a color distribution of the standard sample image to match a predetermined standard color distribution vector indicating a standard color distribution; and a positive rate acquiring unit that detects positive pixels by performing threshold processing on pixel values of pixels in the normalized sample image, and acquires a positive rate indicating a proportion of the detected positive pixels.

Abstract: A fragment counting and control system, consisting of mechanical and electronic components such as a fragment counting execution mechanism, a sensor platform, various sensors, a signal counting and processing instrument, a timer, a motor driver and the like.

Abstract: A gate driver includes a plurality of shift registers and a plurality of cutting units. Each of the shift registers is configured for outputting a shift register signal according to a clock signal of the each of the shift register sequentially. Each of the shift register signals has a working period and the two working periods of the two adjacent shift register signals overlap each other. Each of the cutting units is coupled to a respective one of the shift registers. The cutting unit corresponding to the Nth shift register is configured for cutting a part of the working period from the shift register signal of the Nth shift register to generate a gate driving signal according to the clock signal of the (N?1)th or (N+1)th shift register, such that working periods of the gate driving signals are staggered. N is a positive integer larger than two.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems and techniques in connection with particle sorting in liquid, including cytometry devices and techniques and applications in chemical or biological testing and diagnostic measurements.

Abstract: Encoding a graphical element for processing can utilize an edge pair format in which the graphical element is divided into multiple objects, where each object contains exactly two edges which do not cross or self-intersect. Another format is a run-length encoding (RLE) format in which the graphical element is divided into multiple lines, where the RLE format includes an X start position, a Y start position, a length of a first of the lines, and, for each subsequent line, indications of right and left edge steps relative to the immediately proceeding line.

Abstract: A method executed by a circuit for counting electrons in storage cells in an array of at least two storage cells is provided. The method includes providing a storage array of at least two storage cells, and each of said at least two storage cells containing an unknown amount of electrons. A receiving array of at least two receiving cells is provided, where said at least two receiving cells initially contain no electrons. Then, extracting a layer of said electrons from said storage array of cells and inserting said layer into corresponding locations in said receiving array. The method then repeats said steps of extracting and inserting while at least one of said at least two storage cells is not empty. The method counts, for each said storage cell in said storage array, a productive-extraction amount.

Abstract: Methods for chromogen separation-based image analysis are provided, with such methods being directed to quantitative video-microscopy techniques in cellular biology and pathology applications.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a digital data acquisition method that collects data regarding nuclear fission at high rates and performs real-time preprocessing of large volumes of data into directly useable forms for use in a system that performs non-destructive assaying of nuclear material and assemblies for mass and multiplication of special nuclear material (SNM). Pulses from a multi-detector array are fed in parallel to individual inputs that are tied to individual bits in a digital word. Data is collected by loading a word at the individual bit level in parallel, to reduce the latency associated with current shift-register systems. The word is read at regular intervals, all bits simultaneously, with no manipulation. The word is passed to a number of storage locations for subsequent processing, thereby removing the front-end problem of pulse pileup. The word is used simultaneously in several internal processing schemes that assemble the data in a number of more directly useable forms.

Abstract: Optical waveguide paths to observe a sample on a sample holder from a plurality of directions while guiding an image of light in each direction which is emitted out of the sample toward a direction of a two dimensional detector via a main imaging lens include an optical waveguide path which never receives the light directly from the sample. The optical waveguide path which never receives the light directly from the sample forms an image of the sample within a substantial focus range of the main imaging lens, and includes optical elements arranged such that a light beam after formation of the image proceeds toward a direction of the main imaging lens. Optical elements on at least one optical waveguide path are those for forming real images. Therefore, the main imaging lens images the sample and those real images in block on the two dimensional detector.

Abstract: A seed counting device where accuracy is maintained at higher counting rates. The seed counting device has a hopper in communication with a tray. An activator is connected to the tray to vibrate the tray. Connected to one end of the tray is a separator having sensors. Below the tray and in partial alignment with the separator is a projecting device. The projecting device projects seeds that fall from the tray past the sensors and into a seed chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for counting items in storage containers in an array of at least two storage containers, the method including the steps of: providing a storage array of at least two storage containers, each of the storage containers containing an unknown amount of items; providing a receiving array of at least two receiving containers, wherein the receiving containers initially contain no items; extracting a layer of the items from the storage array; inserting the layer into corresponding locations in the receiving array; repeating the steps of extracting and inserting while at least one of the storage containers is not empty; counting, for each storage container in the storage array, a productive-extraction amount; and reporting, for at least some of the storage containers, the productive-extraction amount from each storage container. Preferably, the method further includes recovering a storage identity upon recovery from a system failure that erases the productive-extraction amount.

Abstract: A seed counting device where accuracy is maintained at higher counting rates. The seed counting device has a hopper in communication with a tray. An activator is connected to the tray to vibrate the tray. Connected to one end of the tray is a separator having sensors. Below the tray and in partial alignment with the separator is a projecting device. The projecting device projects seeds that fall from the tray past the sensors and into a seed chamber.

Abstract: A seed counting device where accuracy is maintained at higher counting rates. The seed counting device has a hopper in communication with a tray. An activator is connected to the tray to vibrate the tray. Connected to one end of the tray is a separator having sensors. Below the tray and in partial alignment with the separator is a projecting device. The projecting device projects seeds that fall from the tray past the sensors and into a seed chamber.

Abstract: A method of creating a segmentation of a volume of interest in an object data set is described, which object data set is formatted into object data slices, in which at least two object data slices each contain a contour line defining the portion of the volume of interest present in that object data slice as a region of interest. The method comprises the steps of calculating at least one surface which cuts through each of the at least two regions of interest, defining two curves on each surface which intersect with the contour lines, arranging for those curves to define the portion of the volume of interest present in the surface, calculating on each of the remaining object data slices a contour line which includes those points on the curves which intersect with that object data slice. A computer program and work station are also described.

Abstract: Described herein is a portable, low power consuming optical particle counter calibration verification system and reliable and sensitive methods for verifying the calibration status of a gas or liquid particle counter. The calibration verification systems described herein are useful for quickly determining the calibration status of an optical particle counter at its point of use, as well as for allowing the end user to determine if an optical particle counter is in need of a recalibration before the recommended calibration schedule suggests.

Abstract: The present invention is a virtual-slide specimen image acquisition apparatus that captures images by dividing a specimen into a plurality of sections, having a conveying device in which a plurality of specimens can be arranged and that conveys the plurality of the arranged specimens in a first direction by a distance corresponding to the length of a side along the first direction in one of the divided sections and at first time intervals and an image capturing device that has an image capturing portion for capturing images of the specimens magnified at a predetermined magnification and that scans the specimens conveyed to a predetermined position in a second direction, by a predetermined length at second time intervals, such that the image capturing portion captures images of all of the sections that are positioned identically in the first direction and that are positioned differently in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A neutron multi-detector array feeds pulses in parallel to individual inputs that are tied to individual bits in a digital word. Data is collected by loading a word at the individual bit level in parallel. The word is read at regular intervals, all bits simultaneously, to minimize latency. The electronics then pass the word to a number of storage locations for subsequent processing, thereby removing the front-end problem of pulse pileup.

Abstract: A condensation particle counter is capable of efficiently measuring the number and size of fine particles. The condensation particle counter includes a saturator, a condenser and an optical particle counters. The saturator is designed to generate a saturated gas by saturating a gas in which fine particles are suspended with working fluid. The condenser is connected to a downstream side of the saturator to condense the saturated gas so that liquid droplets can grow around the fine particles. The optical particle counter is connected to downstream sides of the condenser to optically detect the liquid droplets supplied from the condensers. The condenser has a condenser tube for interconnecting the saturator and the optical particle counter. The present condensation particle counter can use water as working fluid and also can optically measure fine particles in an easy and accurate manner by forming or installing an inner surface of a condenser tube with a hydrophilic tube.

Abstract: A multi-checkpoint type clustered animal counting device is proposed, which is capable of providing a counting function that can be used for statistically determining the number of animals (such as fruit flies) within a region such as farmland or garden. The proposed animal counting device is characterized by the utilized to at least two object sensors, wherein the first object sensor is disposed at a first checkpoint while the second object sensor is disposed at a second checkpoint, and wherein the first object sensor is initially set to power-on state while the second object sensor is initially set to power-off state and can be switched on only when the first object sensor is triggered. When the second object sensor is triggered, the counting operation will increase the output count number by one. This feature allows a more accurate result and can help save power consumption.

Abstract: A method for identifying images of wells in an image of a well-bearing object such as multiwell plates or picowell carriers is provided. An observation component, such as a camera, is used to approach focus of a focal point of a well-bottom. An image of the focal point is acquired. The image of the well-bottom focal point is then used as a reference point or used to define a reference point from which to identify the image of the well in the image of the well-bearing component and from which to delineate the borders of the well.

Abstract: A microscope system (4) for the observation of dynamic processes comprises a microscope (50) having at least one detector (19), and a computer (34). A buffer memory (54) precedes a comparator (58) that compares image contents of at least two successive image frames (56k and 56k+1). Depending on the result obtained from the comparator (58), the image frames are stored in different segments of a data structure (66) that is provided.

Abstract: A self-contained system uses light reflectivity to examine intensity of a dyed spot on a device membrane surrounded by background area to discern information about the specimen that produced the spot. In a preferred embodiment, a master clock alternatively drives one LED focussed upon the spot center, and then drives two LEDS focused on the background area. Light reflected from the spot and background is detected by preferably two photodetectors (“PDs”) spaced-apart a multiple of 90° azimuthal.