662 results about "Sample area" patented technology

Defects such as dirt, dust, scratches, blemishes, pits, or defective elements or pixels in a CCD, scanner, photocopier, or image acquiring device are dynamically detected by processing a plurality of images via a computer. A pristine object of calibration is not required. Stationary components of the video images are found and detected so as to produce a low false alarm probability. Text segmentation and measurement of total deviation based on variability related to high-frequency components of the video image are employed to prevent applying the process or method to printed text or graphics. Additional techniques optionally employed are median filtering, sample area detection, and dynamic adjustment of scores. In special cases, only moderately blank documents are used. The dynamic defect detection allows defect compensation, defect correction, and alerting the operator of defects.

An integrated patient monitoring and control system is provided which includes a closed-loop control system for monitoring and adjusting the heparin infusion rate for a patient. The system includes a processor which uses a dynamic patient model that is continuously adjusted based on the patient's aPTT measurements to calculate an optimal heparin infusion rate to achieve an operator-input aPTT target range. The processor also includes a forecasting model to calculate the optimum sample time interval for measuring the patient's aPTT to calculate a new infusion rate. An automated sampling system, which includes a storage device for storing a series of assay devices, an advancement mechanism for moving the assay devices to a sample area, and a measurement device for analyzing a sample dispensed on the assay, is provided. The sampling system is used to repeatedly measure the patient's aPTT according to the sample time interval determined by the processor.

A computer method and system for deblurring an image is provided. The invention method and system of deblurring employs statistics on distribution of intensity gradients of a known model. The known model is based on a natural image which may be unrelated to the subject image to be deblurred by the system. Given a subject image having blur, the invention method / system estimates a blur kernel and a solution image portion corresponding to a sample area of the subject image, by applying the statistics to intensity gradients of the sample area and solving for most probable solution image. The estimation process is carried out at multiple scales and results in a blur kernel. In a last step, the subject image is deconvolved image using the resulting blur kernel. The deconvolution generates a deblurred image corresponding to the subject image.

Methods for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte present beneath a target skin or mucosal surface of an individual are provided. The methods entail disruption of the target skin or mucosal surface, for example using a particle delivery method to provide micro-passages in the tissue. The methods further provide a resealable occlusive dressing or patch for protecting the target site from outside agents as well as maintaining hydration of the sample area. Maintaining hydration over the sampling site allows for continuous diffusion of the analyte of interest from beneath the target site to the target site. Multiple samples over time may then be taken, allowing the user to monitor for the presence of analyte over time. In a preferred embodiment, the methods are used to monitor blood glucose levels. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of resealable, occlusive dressing, with an aperture cover in a closed position.

A graphics system configured to perform programmable filtering of samples to generate pixel values. The graphics system comprises a frame buffer, an accelerator unit and a video output processor. The accelerator unit receives graphics primitives, renders samples for the graphics primitives, and stores the rendered samples into a sample area of the frame buffer. The accelerator unit subsequently reads the samples from the sample area of the frame buffer, and filters the samples with a programmable filter having a programmable support region. The resulting pixel values are stored in a pixel area of the frame buffer. The video output processor reads the pixel values from the pixel area and converts the pixel values into a video signal which is provided to a video output port.

Disclosed is a method for characterizing the content of a digital image. A component of the method is the homogeneity measure, which calculates a value or values based on the local similarity of portions of a sample area. A further component is a means of optimally adjusting the shape and offset of the local sample area to improve the resulting measure. The homogeneity measure may be applied at a higher level to segment an image, by grouping together larger portions of an image whose sub-components are locally similar. A strongly homogeneous region is a contiguous region composed of elements exhibiting local homogeneity better than that of surrounding elements, and may be applied to identify the scale and other characteristics of a portion of an image. This may be used to facilitate algorithms that separate lighting and texturing information, and in identifying the composition of an image.

An improved illuminator for generating broadband light, and for delivering the light to a sample with an improved delivery efficiency, for higher optical density and / or reduced thermal transfer, than achieved with conventional halogen bulb sources. The illuminator enables spectroscopic analysis in thermally-sensitive or spatially-constrained environments. A phosphor-coated broadband white LED and integrated collimating optics produces a continuous, collimated broadband light beam from 400 nm to 700 nm, which is then transmitted through space to a sample region, such as a living tissue in vivo. A method and system for measuring oxigeneration of mucosal or subsurface tissue is also described.

The invention discloses a full automatic instrument for extracting nucleic acids, which is capable of fully automating the processes of acquiring sample information, automatically adding samples, automatically loading consumptive materials, automatically monitoring the extraction process, and establishing a PCR reaction system. The full automatic instrument for extracting nucleic acids comprises a working platform, a sample adding system which is mounted on the working platform, a deep-well multiwell plate movement device and a nucleic acid extraction device, wherein a plurality of working positions are arranged on the working platform and comprise a sample area, a reagent area and an extract product storage area. The sample adding system respectively adds the sample and a PCR reaction reagent into the deep-well multiwell plate movement device and the extract product storage area from the sample area and the reagent area respectively, the sample is moved below the nucleic acid extraction device by the deep-well multiwell plate movement device and allowed to perform the nucleic acid extraction reaction, and the extraction products are stored in the extract product storage area. The impact of human factor on experimental result can be effectively reduced, and the purity the extracted nucleic acid and the nucleic acid extraction efficiency can be improved.

A two-dimensional imaging surface plasmon resonance (SPR) apparatus for optical surface analysis of a sample area on a sensor surface is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sensor surface layer of a conductive material that can support a surface plasmon, such as a free electron metal, e.g. gold, silver or aluminum, a source of electromagnetic beams of two or more wavelengths that illuminate a two-dimensional surface area from either the front or the backside of the sensor surface layer, and a detector for simultaneous, or pseudo simultaneous, detection of two or more wavelengths of reflected intensities from the two-dimensional surface area, providing two or more two-dimensional images of the surface area, the two-dimensional images being a function of the effective refractive index at each point on the surface area. The two-dimensional images put together result in a color image. The apparatus is suitable for use in biological, biochemical, chemical and physical testing.

A real-time continuous detector device for detection of contaminants in a sample includes at least one sample management module, including a mechanism to control sample flow management to place the sample on a sample area. At least one electronic module for data processing and control is provided, and there is at least one optical module consisting of at least one real-time replaceable sensor cartridge containing a plurality of sensors, and at least one real-time optical pathogen detector connected to the electronic module for data processing. Power is provided and the device is equipped with at least one secure communication module adapted to transmit encrypted information over a secure link to a remote location and for receiving information. The invention also discloses a system making use of detectors for real-time detection of contaminants and for early warning capability, among others.

A method of creating a phase contrast image is provided. In some embodiments the method comprises illuminating the target region of a sample with a first light source to provide a first oblique back illumination of the target region of the sample, and detecting a first phase contrast image from light originating from the first light source and back illuminating the target region of the sample. In some embodiments the method further comprises illuminating the sample with a second light source to provide a second oblique back illumination of the target region of the sample, and detecting a second phase contrast image from light originating from the second light source and back illuminating the target region of the sample. In some embodiments a difference image of the target region of the sample is created by subtracting the second phase contrast image of the target region of the sample from the first phase contrast image of the target region of the sample. Apparatus for carrying out the methods are also provided. The methods and apparatus find use, for example, in endoscopy.

The invention relates to a full-automatic chemiluminescence immunity analyzer, which consists of a reaction cup feeding system, a three-dimensional mobile sample adding module, a sample area, a reagent area, a pump set and a control system. The reaction cup feeding system comprises a stacking module, a transfer module, an incubation module, a washing module and a measuring chamber, wherein the stacking module is positioned at the leftmost end; reaction cup transfer passages of the modules are positioned on the same height; the reaction cup location exit of the incubation module can be alignedwith the transfer groove outlet of the transfer module and the transfer groove inlet of the washing module; the transfer passage exits of the rest modules are aligned; and the three-dimensional mobile sample adding module is positioned above the rest modules. When the system works, a three-dimensional mobile arm automatically distributes sample solution and reagent solution to a reaction cup, thereaction cup sequentially passes through the modules of the transfer system, and operations of incubation, washing, detection and the like are completed. The analyzer has compact and reasonable structure, high automation degree and quick and accurate detection, and is suitable to be used in various hospitals.

The invention discloses a corresponding period double high resolution remote sensing image-based forest biomass estimation method which comprises the following steps: the method is applied to a subtropical zone natural secondary forest in a hilly area in southern Jiangsu Province; based on double high resolution remote sensing image data obtained in a corresponding period, single tree crown breadth is extracted via an object-oriented segmentation method, five groups of hyperspectrum characteristic variables and seven single tree crown breadth structure statistical variables are extracted, biomass estimation is conducted via multiple regression model construction, and model precision is evaluated via a cross validation method. According to the method, when model parameters are determined, one of all sample areas is chosen randomly as a validation sample area, and the rest of the sample areas are used for modeling, a model obtained via fitting operation can be used for validating the sample area which is randomly chosen, the above steps are repeated in cycles till all sample areas are validated, and therefore forest biomass estimation accuracy can be improved while corresponding period double high resolution remote sensing image characteristics are fully discovered.

Measurement technique and apparatus for examining a region of a patterned surface such as an integrated circuit (IC). Excitation x-ray, neutron, particle-beam or gamma ray radiation is directed toward a two-dimensional sample area of the IC. Emissions (e.g., x-ray fluorescence—XRF) from the sample area are detected. A mask is placed in a planar radiation path formed by the source, detector and the sample area, and in one embodiment moveable relative to the sample area. The mask includes an elongate aperture to substantially confine the excitation radiation directed to the sample area, and the emissions from the sample area, to the planar radiation path when arranged parallel to a first axis of the two-dimensional sample area. The invention allows predictive measurement of feature characteristics in active circuit regions of the IC, using sample areas outside of these regions.

The invention provides a pressure-balanced type portable device for soil gas collection. The pressure-balanced type portable device comprises a gas collection box and a gas extraction device, wherein the gas collection box mainly comprises a top cover, a collection box and a base; a first piston is arranged in the top cover; and the base comprises an upper part and a lower part which are provided with an adjustable included angle. During a gas collection process, the internal pressure and the external pressure of the collection box are balanced via the up-and-down movement of the first piston, thus reducing the influence of the pressure change in the collection box on the emission of soil gas, ensuring observation accuracy, and shortening observation time; and particularly, the pressure-balanced type portable device is small in sampling area and good in sealing performance. The pressure-balanced type portable device disclosed by the invention can also be applied to a slope environment with a certain angle by designing the base to be an upper base and a lower base which have an adjustable angle. Additionally, the pressure-balanced type portable device disclosed by the invention also has the advantages of being convenient in getting materials, easy to detach and carry, simple to operate, etc.

The invention provides an adaptive extraction method of remote sensing image thematic information based on spectrum matching degree. The method comprises the following steps: firstly, artificially selecting a sample region of a thematic ground object, carrying out PPI calculation in the sample region, selecting pixels with maximum purity as end members of the thematic ground object, extracting spectrums of the end members, and subsequently, utilizing whole matching degree indexes which integrate the similarity of distances and shapes among the spectrums to calculate the matching degree of the spectrums between the pixels and the end members on an image; secondly, adaptively determining the segmentation threshold of a spectrum matching degree image by using an image histogram automatic segmentation method, so as to obtain initial separation of the thematic ground object and the whole background; and next, carrying out statistic segmentation on the gray level mean value and standard deviation of thematic ground object pixels, adaptively determining the threshold of region growth, traversing the thematic ground object pixels and taking the thematic ground object pixels as seed points to carry out region growth; and finally, in a grown thematic ground object local unit, adopting an iteration method to carry out adaptive local classification to continuously approach a real thematic ground object boundary, thereby obtaining a final refined ground object extraction result.

The invention discloses a calculation method for large spatial scale vegetation coverage by combining with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image. The calculation method comprises the following steps: carrying out atmospheric correction and geometrical correction on a remote sensing image, calculating NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and obtaining an effective region according to a predetermined threshold value; splicing UAV pictures and obtaining an orthoimage, registering satellite data subjected to geometrical correction with the spatial position, selecting a typical sample area from the UAV image, and interpreting proportions of all ground objects in the typical sample area by using unsupervised classification; randomly selecting one part of the sample area, and solving the reflectivity of all ground object end elements by using the proportions of all the ground objects in the sample area and the corresponding satellite remote sensing band reflectivity and combining with a least square method; solving the vegetation coverage of all pixels in the effective image area by using a spectral decomposition model and the reflectivity of all the ground object end element; correcting calculation results of the vegetation coverage by using data of a residual sample area. The core of the calculation method disclosed by the invention is based on a method of acquiring the end-element reflectivity of the UAV and a vegetation coverage correction model, and the calculation accuracy of the large spatial scale vegetation coverage can be effectively improved.

A measuring apparatus and method for use in measuring diffusible hydrogen concentrations in materials, structures, and other objects. In an embodiment of the invention for use in welding applications, the measuring apparatus (10) includes a sensor assembly (20) that, with an included sealing member (40), defines a sample area (17) on a weld bead (16) from which hydrogen evolves into a sample volume (18) defined by the sealing member (40), a sensor housing (34) and a sensor (22) of the sensor assembly (20). The hydrogen reacts with a sensing layer (28) and a reflector layer (30) positioned on the end of an optical fiber (24), all of which are included in the sensor assembly (20) and are sealably positioned within the sensor (22). The sensing layer (28) comprises a chemochromic material that undergoes changes in physical properties, such as optical transmission properties, when it reacts with hydrogen and these changes are measured by the measuring apparatus (10) to determine the amount of hydrogen evolving from the sample area (17). An optical fiber (46) is joined to the sensor optical fiber (24) to direct light (63) transmitted by a light source (62) in a hydrogen monitoring assembly (60) through the sensing layer (28) to strike the reflector layer (30) which reflects light (67) back through optical fiber (46) to a detector (68) in the hydrogen monitoring assembly (60). A signal analyzer (72) is included in the hydrogen monitoring assembly (60) and is calibrated and configured to measure the diffusible hydrogen concentration in the weld bead (16) based on measured changes in the optical transmission properties of the sensing layer (28).

A wavelength modulated photoacoustic spectrometry system and method comprising: generating light from a light source; passing the light through a sample area; sampling sound produced by the light passing through the sample area with an acoustic detector; and controlling wavelength of the light with a wavelength controller, wherein the wavelength controller modulates the wavelength according to a waveform comprising square components.

The invention discloses a method for identifying the aging degree of a silicon rubber composite insulator. The method comprises the following steps: determining the states of umbrella skirt test samples of the silicon rubber composite insulator by taking the operating age limit as reference, and selecting a sample area of each state to obtain an average-value test sample of each state; sampling and cutting into slices; performing microscopic infrared scanning on the slices by taking silicon methyl 1296 cm<-1> as a calibrated peak to obtain microscopic infrared micro-area scanning images of the slices with different age limits; calculating the ageing depth H value from the microscopic infrared micro-area scanning images, fitting the relationship between the H value of the samples with different age limits and time to obtain an ageing model; quantitatively identifying the ageing degree of an unknown sample according to the ageing model. According to the method, the ageing degree of the silicon rubber composite insulator can be quantitatively analyzed by a microscopic infrared Mapping scanning technology; the change of the silicon rubber composite insulator from the surface to the center along with ageing can be observed; the visualization degree is high.

A portable, hand-holdable Blanching Response Tester apparatus (BRT) pressable against the skin of a human patient to provide an indication of a non-blanchable erythema indicative of an incipient pressure sore includes a housing having in a front end wall thereof an optically transmissive window and within the housing a broad-band light source electrically energizable to emit light including energy in the near infrared (0.8μ to 1.5μ) outwards through the window. A first, leading photodetector spaced laterally apart from the light source and a second, trailing photodetector spaced equidistant from the light source in an opposite direction have fields of view which include regions of the skin ahead of an behind a central area of the skin illuminated by the light source. Electronic signal processing circuitry within the BRT housing includes a pair of differential amplifiers having opposite pairs of inputs connected to the pair of photodetectors, one amplifier driving a first, “NO-GO” red, light-emitting diode mounted in an upper wall panel of the housing, and the other amplifier driving a second, “GO” green LED. When the BRT window is pressed against the skin and the light source energized, if light reflected from the skin by leading photodetector over a questionable area of the skin exceeds light reflected from a known healthy sample area of skin beneath the trailing photodetector the red, NO-GO LED is illuminated if the difference in light values exceeds a first threshold values signifying a pressure sore, and if light received by the trailing photodetector exceeds that received by the leading photodetector by a second threshold value, the green, GO LED is illuminated.

A spectroscopy system is provided which operates in the vacuum ultra-violet spectrum. More particularly, a system utilizing reflectometry techniques in the vacuum ultraviolet spectrum is provided for use in metrology applications. The system may further include the use of an array detector in combination with an imaging spectrometer. In this manner data for multiple wavelengths may be simultaneously collected. Moreover, the multiple wavelengths of data may be collected simultaneously for a two dimensional sample area. The system may further include the use of a fixed diffraction grating and does not require the use of polarizing elements. To ensure accurate and repeatable measurement, the environment of the optical path is controlled. The optical path may include a controlled environmental chamber in which non-absorbing purge gases are present or in which vacuum evacuation techniques are utilized. The controlled environment may further include a separate instrument chamber and a separate sample chamber. The controlled environment limits in a repeatable manner the absorption of VUV photons.

Mass spectrometers ionize samples by matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI). The samples are located on a moveable support plate, and irradiated by a pulsed laser. A fast positional control of laser spots is provided via a system of rotatable mirrors to relieve strain on a support plate motion drive. If the spot position is finely adjusted by the mirror system and follows the movement of the sample support plate, the intermittent movement of the sample support can be replaced with a continuous uniform motion. The fast positional control allows more uniform ablation of a sample area. Galvo mirrors with low inertia may be used between the beam generation and a Kepler telescope in the housing of the laser. The positional control can also provide a fully automatic adjustment of MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometers, at least if the ion-optical elements are equipped with movement devices.

A system and method for detecting trace explosives is provided that utilizes a lumnescent reagent, such as blue-fluorescent biphenyl compound, to simultaneously detect multiple nitrogen-based explosives on a sample substrate. The test reagent is mixed with a solvent to improve mixing and maximize the dissolution of the reagent and any trace explosives present on the substrate. A thin film of reagent is applied to the substrate either before or after the substrate contacts a sample area to be tested. Heated air is then applied to the substrate to improve the sample reading. A light source is utilized to illuminate the reagent and expose any quenched portions of the substrate that indicate the presence of an explosive. Quenched portions may be detected visually, or utilizing an analyzing apparatus, such as a fluorimeter or camera. A computer may also be utilized to interpret and record test results.

Methods and systems to measure simultaneously concentrations or concentration ratio(s) of two or more gas ingredients in a sample area comprising: a wavelength modulated light source; an acoustic detector or a photodetector; and means to analyze the signal from the acoustic detector or the photodetector and calculate the concentrations or concentration ratio(s). The light from the light source is transmitted through the sample area. Part of the light will be absorbed in the sample area by the gas ingredients and generates photoacoustic signal. The acoustic detector is used to sample the photoacoustic signal. Alternatively, a photodetector is used to sample the light intensity after the light is transmitted through the sample area.

An automated lidder and / or delidder apparatus to engage and disengage a lid from a microplate is disclosed. The microplate includes a sample area with a plurality of individual wells and a hollow outer frame formed around the sample area, the frame being shaped to include a plurality of openings in its top surface. The lid includes a plate and a plurality of latches formed on the underside of the plate. In the lidding process, the apparatus presses down on the lid to insert each latch through a corresponding opening in the microplate until the latch snaps into engagement with the frame. In the delidding process, the apparatus inserts delidding posts into the openings to disengage the latches from the frame.

An optical method and apparatus is utilized to provide rapid spatial averaging over a large sample area in a Raman spectrometer, without defocusing of the optical source or the collection optics. Spatial averaging provides a representative spectrum of a sample that is inhomogeneous, either in its composition or surface characteristics. The spatial averaging configurations and methods disclosed herein also reduce sample degradation or burning resulting from the high intensity of the directed optical source. Moreover, the dimensions of the sample area of the spatial averaging methods and configurations of the present invention are adjusted to match specific sampling requirements.