Abstract: Power quality (PQ) events in a waveform in a power distribution network are detected by sampling the waveform. For each sample, a normalized sample is determined by subtracting an undistorted waveform from the sample. An accumulated weighted log-likelihood ratio (LLR) is determined for all normalized samples, as well as a minimum of the accumulated weighted LLR. If the difference between the accumulated weighted LLR an the minimum LLR is greater than a predetermined threshold, then the PQ event is signaled. The network can be a smart grid.

Abstract: A method for determining the accuracy of the estimated position for a target device in a wireless system includes the computation of a confidence index. In the online location determining phase, after knowing the observations of the radio signal for a target device, the target device's probability distribution of location and its motion model are combined to calculate the position uncertainty, thereby giving the confidence index of this location estimate. The invention determines the location probability distribution, and calculates the uncertainty of the location probability distribution and the possible maximum uncertainty under the current situation. Based on these uncertainties, this invention determines the confidence index of the radio signal. The confidence may be regarded as a quantity that the location uncertainty can be excluded in the location prediction.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a gas turbine is disclosed. The device includes a receiver for receiving condition values of the gas turbine and an analytical device. The analytical device is designed to determine condition information from the condition values of the gas turbine using Bayes' Prediction.

Abstract: For an integrated circuit associated with a plurality of parameters whose values are described by a first probability distribution function, a method for estimating a failure probability includes selecting a first plurality of samples, performing a first test to determine an outcome for each of the first plurality of samples and identifying failed samples, and clustering the failed samples using a computer-implemented cluster forming method that, in some cases, returns multiple clusters. The method also includes forming a probability distribution function for each of the clusters, forming a composite probability distribution function that includes a weighted combination of the first probability distribution function and the probability distribution function for each of the clusters. The method further includes selecting a second plurality of samples using the composite probability distribution function and performing a second test to determine an outcome for each of the second plurality of samples.

Abstract: For an integrated circuit associated with a first plurality of parameters whose values are described by a first probability distribution function, a method for estimating a failure probability includes selecting a first plurality of samples, performing a first test to determine an outcome for each of the first plurality of samples and identifying failed samples. A second plurality of parameters is selected that has fewer parameters than the first plurality of parameters. The failed samples are clustered in the space of the second plurality of parameters using a computer-implemented cluster forming method that, in some cases, returns multiple clusters. The method also includes forming a probability distribution function for each of the clusters, forming a composite probability distribution function that includes a weighted combination of the first probability distribution function and the probability distribution function for each of the clusters.

Abstract: An apparatus has an input section arranged to receive values representative of the total instantaneous supply of electrical current as a function of time from an alternating voltage supply. Current waveforms comprising sets of values representative of the cyclic waveform of the electric current supply are obtained. A delta waveform generator calculates the difference between a current waveform and an earlier current waveform. An edge detector is arranged to detect an edge or edges in the delta waveform. An analysis section is arranged to identify at least one appliance load based at least on information on the edge or edges detected by the edge detector, and to determine the electrical energy consumed by said appliance load. Another apparatus has an input section arranged to receive values representative of the current supplied to an installation, such as a house. A store contains appliance data characteristic of the use of electricity by each of a plurality of appliances.

Abstract: Methods and systems to detect transient operations from abnormal operations, and to detect abnormal operations in a coker heater, include collecting on-line process data. The collected on-line process data is generated from a plurality of process variables of the process, or coker heater. A first representation of the operation of the process, or coker heater, is generated based on a first set of the collected on-line process data generated from a first set of the process variables. The first representation is adapted to be executed to generate a first result. A second representation of the operation of the process, or coker heater, is generated based on the first result and based on a second set of the collected on-line process data generated from a second set of the process variables. The second representation is adapted to be executed to generate a prediction of data generated from the second set of the process variables.

Abstract: A computer classification method and apparatus employs statistical analysis of known objects in the class of interest. For each known object in the class, a respective vector of q bits is formed. Each bit indicates presence or absence of an activity or physical property in the object. The probability that a bit is equal to 1 in the class is then applied to vector representations of test objects and determines probability of the test object belonging, to the class.

Abstract: Methods and systems for correcting image scatter are provided. The method includes generating an estimate of a detector activity, determining a probability that a scatter event has been counted as a true event using the estimate of a detector activity; generating a scatter correction estimate based on the determined probability, and applying the scatter correction estimate to an emission data set to generate an image of an object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing medical image data with increased sensitivity to facilitate comparisons among groups of subjects are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a first three-dimensional image comprising a plurality of voxels, reducing a regional trend within the three-dimensional image, computing a semivariogram for a region of interest, defining at least one block of spatially correlated voxels, calculating voxel weights for each voxel within the at least one block, and determining a block average count and variance for the at least one block.

Abstract: A statistical patent rating method and system is provided for independently assessing the relative breadth (“B”), defensibility (“D”) and commercial relevance (“R”) of individual patent assets and other intangible intellectual property assets. The invention provides new and valuable information that can be used by patent valuation experts, investment advisors, economists and others to help guide future patent investment decisions, licensing programs, patent appraisals, tax valuations, transfer pricing, economic forecasting and planning, and even mediation and/or settlement of patent litigation lawsuits. In one embodiment the invention provides a statistically-based patent rating method and system whereby relative ratings or rankings are generated using a database of patent information by identifying and comparing various characteristics of each individual patent to a statistically determined distribution of the same characteristics within a given patent population.

Abstract: A sensing system includes a set of sensors and a data-fusing mechanism coupled to at least one of these sensors. In the set of sensors, at least one sensor is configured to store one or more measurement models for one or more phenomenon states. Furthermore, at least one sensor in the set of sensors is configured to sample a measurement value and generate a likelihood function based on the sampled measurement and the measurement models. The data-fusing mechanism coupled to a respective sensor in the set of sensors is configured to collect one or more likelihood functions generated by the one or more sensors and use the collected likelihood functions to compute an aggregate probability of a phenomenon state.

Abstract: A method and a system for estimating a longitudinal relaxation time in magnetic resonance imaging. The method includes scanning at least one object to form a sequence of data with a plurality of flip angles; regressing linearly the formed sequence of data based on a first signal intensity model associated with the flip angles to obtain an initial estimation for said longitudinal relaxation time; and regressing nonlinearly the formed sequence of data based on a second signal intensity model associated with the flip angles so as to obtain a final estimation for the longitudinal relaxation time, in which the initial estimation is used as an initial guess for the longitudinal relaxation time based on the second signal intensity model.

Abstract: A method for estimating interval travel time of an Earth formation using an acoustic well logging instrument having a plurality of spaced apart acoustic transmitters and acoustic receivers includes measuring travel time between a transmitter and a receiver for substantially all possible combinations of each of the plurality of transmitters and each of the plurality of receivers. Each of the possible combinations includes a common depth interval of the Earth formations. The method then include determining at least one statistical measure of center of the measured travel times.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to refining information on characteristics of natural fractures of a subterranean formation. Fracture pattern models are generated based on sampling an initial distribution of values for a fracture parameter. Each fracture pattern model may include, for example, a model of natural fractures in a subterranean formation. Each fracture pattern model is compared to microseismic event data for a subterranean region. A refined distribution for the fracture parameter is generated based on the comparison. Generating the refined distribution may include, for example, selecting values of the fracture parameter from fracture pattern models that correlate with the microseismic event data. In some implementations, an injection treatment may be simulated and/or designed based on the refined distribution.

Abstract: Generally, a system and method consistent with the present disclosure may provide a relatively low cost, relatively robust data acquisition and analysis system useful for condition-based maintenance. The system may be useful for condition-based maintenance in industrial applications, e.g., of equipment and/or machinery. The industrial monitoring system may be used, for example, to monitor a condition of rotating machinery, e.g., a wind turbine. The system and method may include data analysis that may be useful for anticipating a need for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of one or more components.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to stochastic simulation of subterranean fracture propagation. A plurality of subterranean formation models, each representing a subterranean formation, are analyzed to obtain information on predicted results of applying an injection treatment to the subterranean formation. Each of the analyzed subterranean formation models is generated by simulating forces acting on rock blocks of the subterranean formation during the injection treatment. Each simulation has an input parameter value determined for that simulation based on sampling a distribution of values for a characteristic of the subterranean formation. The characteristic may include, for example, a natural fracture parameter. The information on the predicted results of applying the injection treatment may include, for example, an output probability distribution.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to generating a model of a subterranean formation based on a probabilistic earth model. An earth model including a probability distribution for a property of a subterranean region is received. A subterranean formation model is generated based on sampling the probability distribution for the property. The subterranean formation model includes information on boundaries of rock blocks of a formation in the subterranean region. The subterranean formation model may be used for simulating an injection treatment applied to the formation, for example, to predict fracture propagation in the formation. In some implementations, the subterranean formation model may be used for designing an injection treatment for the formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a probability distribution with local three-dimensional resolution for a substance in a vascular system. An acquisition time is assigned to a group of x-ray images showing a presence distribution with local 2D resolution for a substance in the vascular system at the acquisition time. A first preliminary presence probability distribution is determined using the x-ray images assigned to the acquisition time and a volume data set of the vascular system. A second preliminary presence probability distribution is determined using the presence probability distribution for the preceding acquisition time and a migration probability distribution with the substance migrating from first vascular locations to second vascular locations. A high individual probability to vascular locations is assigned if both preliminary presence probability distributions have a high probability value for the respective vascular location.

Abstract: A method for estimating molecule concentrations in a sample, the method including: obtaining a signal generated by a sample analyzing apparatus, the signal including at least one spectrum, the spectrum including peaks representative of the molecule concentrations in the sample and being expressed as a function of at least one variable; obtaining an analytical modeling of the signal with a modeling function, wherein the modeling function is based on the molecule concentrations and factors including gain factors of the equipment and description factors of the peaks; selecting uncertain factors in the factors; determining a priori probability distributions for the uncertain factors and the molecule concentrations; establishing, with the modeling function and the signal, posteriori probability distributions for the molecule concentrations and the uncertain factors; and estimating, with a processing module, the molecule concentrations and the uncertain factors from a parameter inferred from the posteriori probabil

Abstract: Methods for adaptive data acquisition are disclosed herein. In one aspect, methods for adaptive data acquisition include performing a first sensing method on a signal having a plurality of components to determine the likelihood that a component is not a relevant signal component, retaining a portion of the signal components sensed using the first sensing method that are above a first threshold, performing a second sensing method on the signal components retained above a first threshold to determine the likelihood that a component is not a relevant signal component, wherein the second sensing method is more reliable than the first sensing method at determining the likelihood that a component is not a relevant signal component, and retaining a portion of the signal components sensed using the second sensing method that are above a second threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for analyzing a complex system that includes a number of subsystems. Each subsystem comprises at least one sensor designed to generate sensor data. Sensor data from at least one of the sensors is processed to generate binary evidence of a sensed event, and complex evidence of a sensed event. The complex evidence has more sophisticated mathematical properties than the binary evidence. The complex evidence comprises one or more of: a condition indicator (CI), a health indicator (HI), and a prognostic indicator (PI). A system fault model (SFM) is provided that defines statistical relationships between binary evidence, complex evidence, and an underlying failure mode (FM) that is occurring in the complex system. The binary evidence and the complex evidence are processed to identify failure modes taking place within one or more of the subsystems.

Abstract: Test characteristics are determined at vertices of a rectangle defined on a sequential probability ratio test plot of a number of failures of a new physical system versus a number of failures of a baseline physical system. Based on the test characteristics, errors of first and second order are approximated as planes. Based on the approximating, intercepts of accept and reject boundaries are estimated. Based on slopes of the planes and actual values of the errors of the first and second orders, a starting point is determined on a graph of values of an intercept of the reject boundary and values of an intercept of the accept boundary. A minimum of an operating characteristic function is determined by alternative advances, commencing at the starting point, parallel to an axis representing the accept boundary intercept and an axis representing the reject boundary intercept.

Abstract: A system and method to search spectral databases to identify unknown materials, specifically pathogenic microorganisms. A library is provided, having sublibraries containing reference data sets of known materials and test data sets, both generated by at least one spectroscopic data generating instrument. For each test data set, each sublibrary associated with the instrument used is searched. A set of scores for each searched sublibrary is produced, representing the likelihood of a match between the reference data set and test data set. Relative probability values are calculated for each searched sublibrary. All relative probability values are fused producing a set of final probability values, used in determining whether the unknown material is represented through a known material in the library. The known material represented in the libraries having the highest final probability value is reported, if the highest final probability value is greater than or equal to the minimum confidence value.

Abstract: A method for predicting a probability of failure for a component of a platform at a specified time is described. The method includes collecting historical maintenance data relating to the component, selecting, utilizing the collected historical maintenance data, a lifetime distribution model that best fits the historical maintenance data, estimating upcoming component failures using the selected lifetime distribution model, and applying maintenance schedule dates for the platform to the upcoming component failures to determine a likelihood of failure of the component on one of the scheduled maintenance dates.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method to assign observations includes receiving first observations of a first sensor system, receiving second observations of a second sensor system and assigning a set of pairs of the first and second observations predicted to correspond to the same physical position. The assigning includes using a likelihood function that specifies a likelihood for each assigned pair. The likelihood is dependent on the assignment of any other assigned pairs in the set of assigned pairs. The assigning also includes determining the set of assigned pairs for the first and second observations based on the likelihood function. The likelihood function uses a gate value determined from estimating a true volume using nearest neighbor distances determined from the first and second observations.

Abstract: Methods for altering one or more parameters of a measurement system are provided. One method includes analyzing a sample using the system to generate values from classification channels of the system for a population of particles in the sample. The method also includes identifying a region in a classification space in which the values for the populations are located. In addition, the method includes determining an optimized classification region for the population using one or more properties of the region. The optimized classification region contains a predetermined percentage of the values for the population. The optimized classification region is used for classification of particles in additional samples.

Abstract: A method and a CT system are disclosed for predicting specific cardiac cycle phases within the scope of a CT examination, wherein signal profiles of the heart are continuously recorded during the examination over a plurality of cardiac cycles, wherein times of successive cycle positions with the same characteristics are determined with the aid of the signal profiles and the successive cycle lengths of the cardiac cycles are determined with the aid of the determined times, wherein typical patterns in successive cycle lengths over a first number of past and successive cardiac cycles are sought after and a current or future cycle length is determined by recording cycle patterns in a second, smaller number of cycle lengths including their typical successive cycle length within the first number of current past cycle lengths, and predicting, using probabilistic methods, the cycle length that follows the last determined cycle pattern on the basis of the cycle patterns currently determined during the CT examination.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and classifying sensor data, includes obtaining at least one feature vector from a sample to be analyzed, the sample to be analyzed being applied to an array of sensors that includes at least two differential sensors. The method and system also includes converting the at least one feature vector to at least one ratio-metric feature vector. The method and system further includes comparing the at least one ratio-metric feature vector to a detection threshold, and outputting an alarm to denote that the sample is abnormal when the detection threshold is exceeded. When the at least one ratio-metric feature vector does not exceed the detection threshold, the method and system includes classifying the sample as normal and feeding back the at least one ratio-metric feature vector to recompute the detection threshold for future samples to be detected and classified.

Abstract: Techniques for determining effects on a biological system include determining rate constants for a particular time interval starting at an initial time. Each rate constant indicates a rate of transition from one of four states to a different one of the four states for a component of a biological system in presence of an external factor. A temporal change in a probability that the component is in a particular state after the initial time is determined without numerical iteration over multiple time steps. This includes determining three relaxation time constants that describe exponential changes based on the rate constants. The effect of the external factor on the biological system is determined based on the temporal change in the probability that the component is in the particular state. The probability at an arbitrary time is determined based on the rate constants and initial probabilities.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of a signal S(t), S(t) containing Signal and noise, are disclosed. A measurement of S(t) at a frequency-of-interest is obtained. Noise measurements of S(t) at one or more noise frequencies where the Signal portion of S(t) is expected to be small are obtained. The noise at the frequency-of-interest is estimated using the noise measurements at the one or more noise frequencies. The estimated noise is subtracted from the measurement of S(t) at the frequency-of-interest.

Abstract: Methods, systems and products are provided to quantitatively measure the degree of concordance between or among microarray probe level data sets.

Abstract: A fault detection and classification (FDC) method for wafer acceptance test (WAT) parameters includes the following steps. A plurality of fault detection and classification parameters is collected. A plurality of wafer acceptance test parameters that are corresponded by the fault detection and classification parameters is collected. The fault detection and classification parameters are grouped. A contingency table of the wafer acceptance test parameters corresponding to the fault detection and classification parameters is built. A probability model of the contingency table is built. Finally, a safety range of the probability model is determined.

Abstract: Provided is an availability prediction method for a high availability. The method includes calculating a basic survival probability that the other node survives until a failure on one node of two nodes constituting a cluster is fixed, and determining an optimal number of nodes meeting a preset reference availability probability by calculating an availability probability for a predetermined range of the number of nodes on the basis of the basic survival probability. The method determines the number of nodes in the high availability cluster so as to match a reference availability probability, and is able to accomplish an optimal configuration of a cluster by calculating the availability probabilities for combinations between active node and passive nodes and between head nodes and switches.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a sampling inspection. The method includes determining a first and a second sampling plan, and obtaining a first and a second measured value of a production lot based on the first and the second sampling plans, respectively. The method also includes calculating a first and a second acceptance variable based on the first and second measured values, respectively, and calculating a first and second acceptance probabilities based on the first and second acceptance variables, respectively. The method further includes calculating a first and a second operating characteristic of the first and second sampling plans based on the first and second acceptance probabilities, respectively, and evaluating the first and the second operating characteristics.

Abstract: Methods and materials for measuring the composition of plant biomass and predicting the efficiency of conversion of such biomass to various end products under various processing conditions are disclosed. For example, methods and materials for identifying plant material having higher levels of accessible carbohydrate, as well as materials and methods for processing plant material having higher levels of accessible carbohydrate are disclosed. Also disclosed are computer-implemented methods and systems that provide improved economic efficiencies to biorefineries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an abnormality in e.g. in operating characteristics or function of a machine, apparatus or system, the method including providing a data sample set comprising n values of a measured physical parameter associated with the apparatus or system generated by repeating a measurement of the physical parameter n times. An extremal measured parameter value is selected from amongst the data sample set, determining a probability of observing the selected parameter value (e.g. of observing a value not exceeding the selected parameter value) by applying the selected parameter value to an extreme value probability distribution function having a location parameter and a scale parameter. The value of the location parameter and the value of the scale parameter are each constructed using an integer value m (e.g. notionally representing the size of a sub-sample data set comprising m of said measured parameter values) in which m is less than n (i.e. m<n).

Abstract: A delay analysis device includes an acquisition section that acquires circuit information relating to a path through which signal propagation can be delayed, a determination section that sets up an assumed fault for each of pins disposed in the path, and determines whether a signal change output from a beginning latch can be propagated to an ending latch for each of pins for which the assumed faults are set up, and an analysis section that calculates a delay distribution by accumulating delay distributions expressed by probability density functions of delays that occur in individual delay elements included in the path determined that a signal change output from the beginning latch can be propagated to the ending latch, and by not accumulating the delay distributions at a pin through which it has been determined that the signal change cannot be propagated to the ending latch based on the acquired circuit information.

Abstract: Measurements of electric charges obtained by the impact of ionizing radiation on a semiconductor detector are grouped in a histogram. Calibrations and data otherwise obtained are used to obtain acceptance probabilities of measurements, which are used to construct a histogram of events by weighting the measurements so as to exclude the influence of some factors (such as diffused radiation) or on the contrary to enhance this influence.

Abstract: An ion guide or mass analyser (2) is disclosed comprising a plurality of electrodes (2a) having apertures through which ions are transmitted in use. A pseudo-potential barrier is created at the exit of the ion guide or mass analyser (2). The amplitude or depth of the pseudo-potential barrier is inversely proportional to the mass to charge ratio of an ion. One or more transient DC voltages (4) are applied to the electrodes (2a) of the ion guide or mass analyser (2) in order to urge ions along the length of the ion guides or mass analyser (2). The amplitude of the transient DC voltage (4) applied to the electrode (2a) may be increased with time so that ions are caused to be emitted from the ion guide or mass analyser (2) in reverse order of their mass to charge ratio.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a sensor to sense one target from a plurality of targets includes predicting states of the targets. A set of probability distributions is generated. Each probability distribution in the set represents a setting or settings of at least one control parameter of the sensor. An expected information gain value for each control parameter in the set is calculated. The information gain value represents an expected quality of a measurement of one of the targets taken by the sensor if controlled according to the control parameter, based on the predicted state of the target. Updating the set of probability distributions takes place to identify the sensor control parameters that maximise the expected information gain value. The sensor is then controlled in accordance with the maximising control parameters.

Abstract: In various embodiments, points from flood maps (e.g., geospatial flood risk zoning maps) may be used in generating a flood frequency versus flood elevation curve for reducing the uncertainty in the flood risk assessment. In some embodiments, geospatial flood elevation lines for flood elevation lines at different flood frequency levels may be defined based on elevation datasets where there are inconsistencies between the elevation datasets and flood maps that were generated. The flood frequency versus flood loss curve may be derived based on the computed flood frequency versus flood elevation curve, digital elevation datasets, and collected damage curve. In some embodiments, the flood risk rating may also be derived and a flood risk assessment report may be generated.

Abstract: Plasma sensors, systems and related methods are described. An example method for predicting an event includes providing a carrier signal across two electrodes and forming a plasma between the two electrodes. The example method also includes measuring a modulated signal from the plasma, manipulating the modulated signal to produce a value and comparing the value to a threshold. Finally, the example method includes determining the likelihood of the event based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method, a system, and an apparatus are provided for organizing management information bases (MIB) in a network. A table, associated with an overlay MIB structure, is populated with entries. Each entry defines an object identifier (OID) of a mount point and an OID of a mount target. A selection is made between the existing OIDs and OIDs corresponding to a MIB overlay. When management communication refers to managed objects, they can be referred to in terms of OIDs defined by the MIB overlay, as an alternative to their existing OIDs. An agent infrastructure is defined to support the MIB overlay structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system (such as a computer system), a circuit, a method and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for use with the computer system are described. In these embodiments, one or more physical characteristics of a device may be monitored, and the measured values may be used to assess the reliability of a device. In particular, using hardware and/or software, the probability that the device will be unable to restart if the device is switched to a powered-on operating mode may be determined based at least in part on the one or more measured values and predetermined probabilities of occurrence of one or more failure mechanisms in the device. If the probability is less than a threshold value, the device may be safely transitioned to a powered-on operating mode. However, if the probability exceeds the threshold value, the device may be kept in a power-saving mode until remedial action is taken.

Abstract: Techniques for a maximum entropy approach to assigning probabilities, including those used in multiple realization history matching systems and methods, are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a method includes obtaining one or more available sample values Yi associated with a reservoir; computing a maximum entropy assignment ? of one or more discrete probabilities Pi(Yi) associated with each of the one or more available sample values Yi, where each discrete probability Pi(Yi) represents a probability that one or more variables Y will take a set of particular values Yi; and performing at least one determination regarding the reservoir using the maximum entropy assignment ?, including approximating a continuous probability distribution P(Y) using a sum of probability distributions Pi(Yi)+/??.

Abstract: A method for deciding the relationship between a physical property and a threshold, comprising measuring a physical property to obtain a measured value, calculating the distribution of actual values for the physical property, calculating the error distribution of the obtained measured value, calculating the penalty associated with an erroneous decision, and calculating a margin based on the expected loss from selecting at least one possible actual value as a function of the calculated distribution of actual values, the calculated error distribution of the measured value, and the calculated penalty associated with an erroneous decision. Embodiments including a system and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to methods and systems anticipating a potentially threatening or dangerous incident, and providing varying levels of response to a user. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides varying levels of assistance to a user prior to, during, and after a threatening incident occurs. By providing assistance prior to a threatening incident occurring, the system may be able to thwart potential attacks, bodily harm, robberies, break-ins, and other criminal or dangerous activity. The assistance can be, for example, in the form of deterrents, alerting first responders to go to the scene, sending security personnel to the scene, remotely monitoring the scene, remotely interacting with the scene, providing information and advice to the user.

Abstract: An object/test material interaction microti iridic device comprising a sample inlet adapted to receive a fluid sample comprising a plurality of objects, an outlet adapted to output the fluid sample from the device, at least one internal surface defining a flow cavity within the device, wherein the flow cavity extends between and is connected to the sample inlet and the outlet for flow of the fluid sample through the flow cavity, the flow cavity comprises a test area to which at least one test material is attached and which is situated in the flow cavity for flow of the fluid sample over the test area, and the flow cavity has an aspect ratio which, when the flow cavity is substantially filled by the fluid sample, provides a substantially constant shear force between the test area and the fluid sample flowing over the test area. The invention further comprises a system incorporating the device, methods of use of the device and system, and methods of analysing interactions.

Abstract: A method and system that calculate elementary symmetric functions of subsets of a set {Z} comprising a total of m numerical elements in an m2 time-frame.