Author: claimsbot

1. A method for optimizing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) estimation using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner, the method comprising:
detecting movement of a table holding a patient into a bore of the MRI Scanner;
while the table is moving into the bore, performing an MRI scan of the patient to acquire a multi-slice multi-dimensional MRI dataset of an anatomical region of interest of the patient;
processing the multi-slice multi-dimensional MRI dataset to obtain a three-dimensional model corresponding to body geometry of the patient; and
calculating a patient-optimized SAR estimation using the three-dimensional model of the body geometry of the patient.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
performing an MRI study using the patient-optimized SAR estimation.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the MRI scan is performed using a noise reduction process designed to minimize acoustic noise generated by the MRI Scanner during the MRI scan.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the noise reduction process optimizes gradient switching of the MRI Scanner during the MRI scan.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
calculating an initial SAR estimation using a default human body model prior to performing the MRI scan; and
updating the default human body model using the three-dimensional model of the body geometry of the patient.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein acquisition of the multi-slice multi-dimensional MRI dataset utilizes one or more measurement devices placed on the patient.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more measurement devices comprise one or more of acquisition coils and electrocardiogram electrodes.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the MRI scan utilizes an ultra low-SAR pulse sequence designed to produce SAR levels below a peak recommended value in the anatomical region of interest.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the peak recommended value is 1.5 Watts per Kilogram.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the peak recommended value is 0.5 Watts per Kilogram.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying one or more tissue properties of the anatomical region of interest based on the three-dimensional model of the body geometry of the patient,
wherein calculation of the patient-optimized SAR estimation is based on the one or more tissue properties, and
wherein the patient-optimized SAR estimation comprises a local and whole body SAR estimation.
12. An article of manufacture for optimizing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) estimation using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner, the article of manufacture comprising a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium holding computer-executable instructions for performing a method comprising:
detecting movement of a table holding a patient into a bore of the MRI Scanner;
while the table is moving into the bore, performing an MRI scan of the patient to acquire a multi-slice multi-dimensional MRI dataset of an anatomical region of interest of the patient;
processing the multi-slice multi-dimensional MRI dataset to obtain a three-dimensional model corresponding to body geometry of the patient; and
calculating a patient-optimized SAR estimation using the three-dimensional model of the body geometry of the patient.
13. The article of manufacture of claim 12, wherein the MRI scan is performed using a noise reduction process designed to minimize acoustic noise generated by the MRI Scanner during the MRI scan.
14. The article of manufacture of claim 13, wherein the noise reduction process optimizes gradient switching of the MRI Scanner during the MRI scan.
15. The article of manufacture of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises:
calculating an initial SAR estimation using a default human body model prior to performing the MRI scan; and
updating the default human body model using the three-dimensional model of the body geometry of the patient.
16. The article of manufacture of claim 12, wherein the MRI scan utilizes a low-SAR pulse sequence designed to produce SAR levels below a peak recommended value in the anatomical region of interest.
17. The article of manufacture of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises:
identifying one or more tissue properties of the anatomical region of interest based on the three-dimensional model of the body geometry of the patient,
wherein calculation of the patient-optimized SAR estimation is based on the one or more tissue properties.
18. A system for optimizing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) estimation, the system comprising:
an MRI Scanner comprising:
a table configured to hold a patient, and
a bore configured to receive the table; and

an image processing computer configured to:
detect movement of the table into the bore,
use the MRI Scanner to perform an MRI scan of the patient while the table is moving into the bore thereby acquiring a multi-slice multi-dimensional MRI dataset of an anatomical region of interest of the patient,
process the multi-slice multi-dimensional MRI dataset to obtain a three-dimensional model corresponding to body geometry of the patient, and
calculate a patient-optimized SAR estimation using the three-dimensional model of the body geometry of the patient.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the image processing computer uses a noise reduction process designed to minimize acoustic noise generated by the MRI Scanner during the MRI scan.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the image processing computer is configured to use the MRI Scanner to perform the MRI scan with an ultra low-SAR pulse sequence.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A signal processing apparatus, comprising:
a storage unit;
a signal conditioner connected to the storage unit and configured to receive a data signal from a transmitter; and
a controller connected to the switch and configured to write a set of signal transmission parameters into the storage unit, the set of signal transmission parameters being in compliance with a communication protocol;
wherein the signal conditioner is configured to retrieve the set of signal transmission parameters from the storage unit, to condition the data signal according to the retrieved set of signal transmission parameters, and to transmit the conditioned data signal to a receiver.
2. The signal processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is a baseboard management controller (BMC).
3. The signal processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal conditioner is configured to re-time andor repeat the data signal.
4. The signal processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage unit is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).
5. The signal processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal conditioner is connected to the storage unit via an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) bus.
6. The signal processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is connected to the storage unit via an I2C bus.
7. A signal processing method, comprising:
providing a storage unit, a signal conditioner connected to the storage unit, and a controller connected to the storage unit, each of the storage units storing a set of signal transmission parameters in compliance with a communication protocol;
writing a set of signal transmission parameters into the storage unit by the controller, the set of signal transmission parameters being in compliance with a communication protocol;
retrieving the set of signal transmission parameters from the storage unit by the signal conditioner;
receiving a data signal from a transmitter by the signal conditioner;
conditioning the data signal according to the retrieved set of signal transmission parameters by the signal conditioner; and
transmitting the conditioned data signal to a receiver by the signal conditioner.
8. The signal processing method of claim 7, wherein the controller is a baseboard management controller (BMC).
9. The signal processing method of claim 7, wherein the step of conditioning the data signal comprises re-timing andor repeating the data signal by the signal conditioner.
10. The signal processing method of claim 7, wherein the storage unit is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).
11. The signal processing method of claim 7, wherein the signal conditioner is connected to the storage unit via an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) bus.
12. The signal processing method of claim 7, wherein the controller is connected to the storage unit via an I2C bus.

1. A method for an engine, comprising:
when a state of charge of a battery is less than a threshold, directing intake air through a throttle bypass around a throttle disposed in an intake passage of the engine and through a turbine to drive an auxiliary generator;
charging the battery via the auxiliary generator;
during deceleration of a vehicle in which the engine is positioned, charging the battery via the auxiliary generator and a primary generator; and
increasing intake manifold vacuum when the primary generator is degraded and charging the battery via the auxiliary generator.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the threshold is a first, high threshold value, and further comprising charging the battery via the auxiliary generator when the state of charge is less than a second, low threshold value.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the threshold is a first, high threshold value, and further comprising, during deceleration of the vehicle in which the engine is positioned, charging the battery via the auxiliary generator and the primary generator when the state of charge is less than a second, low threshold value.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the threshold is a first, high threshold value, and further comprising charging the battery via the auxiliary generator and the primary generator when the state of charge is less than a second, low threshold value and the vehicle is not decelerating.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the threshold is a first, high threshold value, and further comprising charging the battery via the auxiliary generator when the state of charge is less than a second, low threshold value and the primary generator is degraded.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising adjusting one or more of variable valve timing, exhaust gas recirculation, gear ratio, cylinder deactivation, vacuum pump, and air fuel ratio to increase charging via the auxiliary generator when the primary generator is degraded.
7. A method for an engine, comprising:
during vehicle deceleration, directing intake air through a throttle bypass around a throttle disposed in an intake passage of the engine and through a turbine to drive an auxiliary generator to maintain a battery state of charge; and
during degradation of a primary generator, increasing engine intake manifold vacuum to increase charging of the battery via the auxiliary generator.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein during the degradation of the primary generator further includes the state of charge of the battery being less than a threshold.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the engine is a direct fuel injection engine.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein increasing the engine intake manifold vacuum includes adjusting engine variable valve timing.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein increasing the engine intake manifold vacuum includes reducing exhaust gas recirculation.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein increasing the engine intake manifold vacuum includes downshifting a transmission gear ratio.
13. The method of claim 7, wherein increasing the engine intake manifold vacuum includes adjusting cylinder deactivation.
14. The method of claim 7, wherein increasing the engine intake manifold vacuum includes turning on a vacuum pump.
15. The method of claim 7, wherein increasing the engine intake manifold vacuum includes adjusting air fuel ratio.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein during vehicle deceleration the method includes charging the battery via the auxiliary generator and the primary generator.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A method for computer or mobile tagging comprising:
generating a multi-layer scannable tag, wherein generating said multi-layer scannable tag comprises generating a multi-layer scannable tag including a text component
receiving an indication that the multi-layer scannable tag has been scanned by a first user;
assigning a layer of the multi-layer scannable tag to the first user;
receiving an image, audio, video, or other file from the first user;
storing the image, audio, video, or other file in a location in cloud storage;
generating one unique URL link wherein that URL link is associated with the multi-layer scannable tag, the URL link also pointing to the location in cloud storage;
linking the multi-layer scannable tag with the location in cloud storage using the URL link;
tagging the image, audio, video, or other file with said multi-layer scannable tag;
wherein such tagging is accomplished by means of the use of a mobile application, computer program or similar electronic device
receiving an indication that the multi-layer scannable tag has been scanned by a second user;
assigning another layer of the multi-layer scannable tag to the second user;
receiving an image, audio, video, or other file from the second user;
storing the image, audio, video, or other file in a location in cloud storage;
generating one unique URL link wherein that URL link is associated with the multi-layer scannable tag, the URL link also pointing to the location in cloud storage; and
linking the multi-layer scannable tag with the location in cloud storage using the URL link.
2. A method of claim 1, wherein tagging said unique scannable tag layer with a submitted video, audio or other file tagged may be accomplished or tagged through a network or internet environment and through an application server and database.
3. A method of claim 1, wherein the multi-layer scannable tag comprises at least one unique layer, and the at least one unique layer is associated with video, audio or other file may be printed, stored, or otherwise implanted on printed media.
4. A method of claim 3, wherein the tagged video, audio or other file associated with the at least one unique layer of the multi-layer scannable tag is password protected or closed from view of others.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising
uploading the video, audio or other file onto a cloud based file storage system; and
storing a unique alpha numeric code and URL link with the uploaded file; and
storing such submitted file and its associated multi-layer scannable tag until the user or systems administrator decides to delete or otherwise remove the submitted file.
6. A method claim 5, wherein the stored video, audio, or other file is also stored and associated with a unique URL link, multi-layer scannable tag, an alphanumeric or radio-frequency code.
7. A method of claim 5, wherein the stored video, audio, or other file may be password protected or otherwise secured for the benefit of the one who has submitted the file.
8. A method of claim 5, wherein the stored video, audio or other file is stored by the method of use of a mobile phone application, computer, website or similar electronic device.
9. A method of file and document retrieval comprising;
scanning a first layer of a multi-layer scannable tag by a camera or scanning device; or receiving an indication that the multi-layer scannable tag has been scanned by a first user;

assigning the first layer of the multi-layer scannable tag to the first user;
receiving an image, audio, video, or other file from the first user;
storing the image, audio, video, or other file in a location in cloud storage;
generating one unique URL link wherein that URL link is associated with the multi-layer scannable tag, the URL link also pointing to the location in cloud storage;
linking the multi-layer scannable tag with the location in cloud storage using the URL link;
tagging the image, audio, video, or other file with said multi-layer scannable tag;
wherein such tagging is accomplished by means of the use of a mobile application, computer program or similar electronic device;
retrieving video, audio or other files tagged and associated with said first layer of the multi-layer scannable tag;
playing the video, audio or other file tagged with said multi-layer scannable tag by embedded player;
scanning another layer of a multi-layer scannable tag by a camera or scanning device; or receiving an indication that the multi-layer scannable tag has been scanned by a second user;
assigning the another layer of the multi-layer scannable tag to the second user;
receiving an image, audio, video, or other file from the second user;
storing the image, audio, video, or other file in a location in cloud storage;
generating one unique URL link wherein that URL link is associated with the multi-layer scannable tag, the URL link also pointing to the location in cloud storage; and
linking the multi-layer scannable tag with the location in cloud storage using the URL link.
10. The document retrieval method of claim 9, wherein the multi-layer scannable tag contains an embedded URL link to which the tagged video, audio or other file is directly associated with.
11. The document retrieval method of claim 9, wherein a user has the choice of scanning the multi-layer scannable tag or inputting an alpha numeric code onto an application or website in order to retrieve the associated and tagged image, video, audio file or other file.
12. The document retrieval method of claim 9, wherein the multi-layer scannable tag is shared through various social media websites and available to view through the use of an embedded player.
13. The document retrieval method of claim 9, wherein an image, video, audio or other file is embedded into printed text to be retrieved by a user who wishes to supplement the data on the printed text with the embedded image, video, audio or other file.
14. The document retrieval method of claim 9, wherein the user shares video, audio, or other content by distributing multi-layer scannable tag or alphanumeric codes to others.
15. An apparatus for tagging, the apparatus comprising a memory storing instructions which, when processed by one or more processors, cause:
generating a multi-layer scannable tag that comprises a plurality of unique scannable layers;
receiving an indication that the multi-layer scannable tag has been scanned by a first user;
assigning a layer of the multi-layer scannable tag to the first user;
receiving an image, audio, video, or other file from the first user;
storing the image, audio, video, or other file in a location in cloud storage;
generating one unique URL link wherein that URL link is associated with the multi-layer scannable tag, the URL link also pointing to the location in cloud storage;
linking the multi-layer scannable tag with the location in cloud storage using the URL link;
tagging the image, audio, video, or other file with said multi-layer scannable tag;
wherein such tagging is accomplished by means of the use of a mobile application, computer program or similar electronic device;
receiving an indication that the multi-layer scannable tag has been scanned by a second user;
assigning another layer of the multi-layer scannable tag to the second user;
receiving an image, audio, video, or other file from the second user;
storing the image, audio, video, or other file in a location in cloud storage;
generating one unique URL link wherein that URL link is associated with the multi-layer scannable tag, the URL link also pointing to the location in cloud storage; and
linking the multi-layer scannable tag with the location in cloud storage using the URL link.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, the apparatus comprising a memory storing instructions which, when processed by one or more processors, cause: managing said uploaded and tagged files, in response to receiving instructions from the user, by at least one of providing password protection, viewing submitted files, uploading submitted files to social media websites, delete submitted files, add descriptions, add a title to, and print out or save associated scannable tags.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, the apparatus further comprising memory storing instructions which, when processed by one or more processors, cause: the functionality of automatically launching on a smart phone user’s phone after the user captures an image of the scannable tag or radiofrequency associated therefrom.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, the apparatus further comprising memory storing instructions which, when processed by one or more processors, provide a component to allow new users to register for the application and a component that allows users to pay for use of the application by various methods including online credit card or by the use of third party merchants.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, the apparatus further comprising memory storing instructions which, when processed by one or more processors, cause generation of an interface wherein users may view through said interface their submitted video, photos or other files and the scannable tag and alpha numeric text code tagged and associated with each image.
20. The apparatus of claim 15, the apparatus further comprising memory storing instructions which, when processed by one or more processors, cause generation of an interface wherein an administrator of the application manages through said interface at least one of submitted images, associated scannable tags, and billing information.
21. A method, comprising:
generating a multi-layer scannable tag that comprises a plurality of unique scannable layers;

receiving an indication that the multi-layer scannable tag has been scanned by a first user;
assigning a layer of the multi-layer scannable tag to the first user;
receiving an image, audio, video, or other file from the first user;
storing the image, audio, video, or other file in a location in cloud storage;
generating one unique URL link wherein that URL link is associated with the multi-layer scannable tag, the URL link also pointing to the location in cloud storage;
linking the multi-layer scannable tag with the location in cloud storage using the URL link;
tagging the image, audio, video, or other file with said multi-layer scannable tag;
wherein such tagging is accomplished by means of the use of a mobile application, computer program or similar electronic device;
receiving an indication that the multi-layer scannable tag has been scanned by a second user;
assigning another layer of the multi-layer scannable tag to the second user;
receiving an image, audio, video, or other file from the second user;
storing the image, audio, video, or other file in a location in cloud storage;
generating one unique URL link wherein that URL link is associated with the multi-layer scannable tag, the URL link also pointing to the location in cloud storage; and
linking the multi-layer scannable tag with the location in cloud storage using the URL link.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein image, audio, video, or other file from said first user is a message from said first user; and wherein image, audio, video, or other file from said second user is a message from said second user.