Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and apparatus for solving the stereo vision matching problem. The invention implements a method for solving image correspondence problems so that each front region between consecutive extremal pixels in one image is matched to a corresponding front region between consecutive extremal pixels in another image.

Abstract: A method of determining change in a state of an object using images of the object, the method including providing a first image and a second image of the object, the first image and the second image being spaced apart in time, performing a plurality of pixel-based change detection algorithms to obtain a plurality of output difference products/images containing change information and pseudo change information, combining the plurality of output difference products to form a hybrid output difference product and thresholding the output difference product to detect changes in the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for controlling the speed of a vehicle engine utilizing total system integration and an on-board power system for electrical power generation and distribution, which ensure that control of multiple components can be maintained, that critical operational parameters can be modified by generating calibration values, and that an electrical load can be met in both stationary and mobile vehicle applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for stabilizing gas and particularly gas hydrates at low pressures and for safe storage and transportation of the gas. The invention also provides minimization of the decomposition of the gas in hydrate form.

Abstract: A method of determining change in a state of an object using images of the object, the method including providing a first image and a second image of the object, the first image and the second image being spaced apart in time, performing a plurality of pixel-based change detection algorithms to obtain a plurality of output difference products/images containing change information and pseudo change information, combining the plurality of output difference products to form a hybrid output difference product and thresholding the output difference product to detect changes in the object.

Abstract: A compositing process for selecting spatial data collected over a period of time, creating temporal data cubes from the spatial data, and processing and/or analyzing the data using temporal mapping algebra functions. In some embodiments, the temporal data cube is creating a masked cube using the data cubes, and computing a composite from the masked cube by using temporal mapping algebra.

Abstract: Self-aligned fabrication of silicon carbide semiconductor devices is a desirable technique enabling reduction in the number of photolithographic steps, simplified alignment of different device regions, and reduced spacing between the device regions. This invention provides a method of fabricating silicon carbide (SiC) devices utilizing low temperature selective epitaxial growth which allows avoiding degradation of many masking materials attractive for selective epitaxial growth. Another aspect of this invention is a combination of the low temperature selective epitaxial growth of SiC and self-aligned processes.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a resolution of an image by fusing images includes applying a principal component analysis to a multispectral image to obtain a plurality of principal components, and replacing a first component in the plurality of principal components by a panchromatic image. The method further includes resampling remaining principal components to a resolution of the panchromatic image, and applying an inverse principal analysis to the panchromatic image and the remaining principal components to obtain a fused image of the panchromatic image and the multispectral image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for controlling the movement of insects such as termites by using a vibration device that produces mechanical vibrations within a certain frequency range. The frequency range may be chosen to attract or repel. The source may be coupled with insect food sources or other attractants. The present invention can be used to protect a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation. The present invention can also be used for controlling activity of other social insects such as ants, bees and wasps.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling insect population or activity by using electromagnetic field source of certain frequency and intensity coupled with insect food sources/attractants. The present invention can be used to protect a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation. The present invention can also be used for controlling activity of other social insects such as ants, bees and wasps.

Abstract: A system and method for feature evaluation that include an evaluation system configured to consider extracted features and reference features and an evaluation system configured to quantify accuracy, quality, and correspondence between the reference features and the extracted features.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for increasing safety in chemical application from an aircraft. Wind speed, wind direction and other critical flight parameters are measured, calculated, recorded, and visually or audibly announced during the aircraft flight via onboard equipment, which parameters provide a means for the aircraft pilot to control chemical spray application and for unassisted automatic chemical spray cutoff and for limiting spray application outside an application zone or target area. Such parameters also provide a means for indicating the lift reserve of the aircraft and a means for determining atmospheric stability near the ground and providing the pilot with a record of the meteorological conditions at a particular location. The method and system of the present invention also provide a means for predicting appropriate aircraft upwind offset distance to compensate for predicted chemical spray drift.

Abstract: A process for producing biodiesel has been invented by first extracting lipids from the sludges generated during primary and/or biological treatment of municipal, agricultural, and industrial wastewaters using primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments followed by the transesterification of the extracted lipids using transesterification conversion into alcohol-based esters. The resulting products from this process include biodiesel, glycerol, lipid-free proteins, various other useful chemicals and an aqueous-based substrate well suited for optimized digestion within subsequent biological digestion (either aerobic or anaerobic). The lipids extracted from the sludges containing high levels of microorganisms are phospholipids which can also be directly used as lecithin.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic or self plumbing device and method for maintaining survey or data collection or reflection equipment in a vertical plumb position despite horizontal and/or vertical changes of position of the device or vehicle with the device attached thereto. The invention also provides a means for maintaining survey or data collection or reflection equipment in a vertical plumb position and at a constant height above ground or surface to be surveyed. The invention provides a means for mounting or attaching the device to a vehicle or other mobile prime mover and a means for remotely changing the position of the device mounted on the vehicle from within the vehicle for accurate, efficient, and timely collection of data while the device and vehicle are stationary or in motion.

Abstract: This invention relates to and is drawn to food compositions including waterleaf leaves harvested at full bloom. The present invention further relates to and is drawn to methods of reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases by reducing total plasma cholesterol and plasma LDL-cholesterol and increasing plasma HDL-cholesterol and blood hematocrit using the present food compositions of waterleaf leaves, in addition to methods of preventing and treating coronary heart disease using the present food compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to extract terpenoids in aquatic environments by using a hydrophobic absorbent, thus reducing or eliminating off-flavor in water and aquaculture products which is caused by cyanobacteria-produced terpenoids.

Abstract: St. Augustinegrass plant ‘Polaris’ is a new and distinct variety of perennial St. Augustinegrass cultivar, characterized by its short and narrow leaf blades, fine leaf texture, short internode length and diameter, and superior cold tolerance and turf quality. ‘Polaris’ is also distinguished by its superior green plot and living ground cover characteristics.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Lagerstroemia crapemyrtle plant named ‘Chocolate Mocha’, characterized by its combination of deep dark brown/red-purple leaf color and brilliant bubble gum pink flower color. ‘Chocolate Mocha’ is also distinguished by its resistance to leaf scorch, upright non-spreading growth, and medium growth size.

Abstract: St. Augustinegrass plant ‘MSA-31’ is a new and distinct variety of perennial St. Augustinegrass cultivar, characterized by its short and narrow leaf blades, fine leaf texture, short internode length and diameter, and superior turf quality and particularly turf density when grown under shade or dense shade. ‘MSA-31’ is also distinguished by its genetic color and fall and winter color characteristics.