Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to computing devices and methods for transforming output of a control stick. In one example, a method comprises: receiving a dead zone inflection point defining a boundary of a dead zone region and a playspace region within a first normalized unit-area movement space of the control stick, mapping the first normalized unit-area movement space to a second normalized unit-area movement space, using a scaling function comprising the dead zone inflection point, scaling each axis of the second normalized unit-area movement space to generate a scaled second normalized unit-area movement space, transforming the scaled second normalized unit-area movement space to a scaled first normalized unit-area movement space, receiving position data representing a current position of the control stick, and transforming the current position to a transformed position in the scaled first normalized unit-area movement space.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to computing device input systems. In one example, a computing device input system comprises an input configured to receive a connection to a control device connector comprising a plurality of conductors. The computing device input system further comprises circuitry configured to determine a presence, type, and state of a control device in communication with the control device connector based on analog voltages received from the control device connector.

Abstract: Applications, devices and systems for toll collection are disclosed herein. An example system includes a mobile computing device that generates location based information of the mobile computing device, queries a database of toll booths defined by toll booth location, determines that the location based information of the mobile computing device matches at least one of the toll booth locations, and transmits to a gateway server location based information and identifying information that identifies a vehicle. The toll is processed using the received information.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to adjusting sensitivity of a control stick. In one example, a method comprises: receiving a dead zone inflection point defining a boundary of a dead zone region and a playspace region within a normalized two-dimensional movement space, receiving a sensitivity inflection point within the playspace region of the normalized two-dimensional movement space, transforming the sensitivity inflection point to a transformed sensitivity inflection point using a sensitivity scaling function that comprises the dead zone inflection point, receiving position data representing a current position of the control stick, and transforming the current position to a transformed position using a mapping function comprising the dead zone inflection point and the transformed sensitivity inflection point.

Abstract: User input devices, such as gaming controllers, are provided herein. In one example, a user input device includes a control mechanism configured to receive user manipulation in one or more axes. The user input device includes a movement calibration system that monitors movement data representative of user manipulation of a control mechanism, and determines calibrated movement data based at least in part on a movement space normalized using at least qualification zones that qualify peak excursions of the control mechanism in one or more axes. Responsive to the movement data, the movement calibration system establishes updates to the qualification zones that bias drift of the qualification zones outward in the one or more axes, and provides the calibrated movement data for use in controlling one or more user interface elements with the control mechanism.

Abstract: User input devices, such as gaming controllers, are provided herein. In one example, a user input device includes a control stick mechanism configured to receive user manipulation in one or more axes. The user input device includes control circuitry configured to process movement data representative of the user manipulation to determine mapped movement data over a normalized movement space according to at least one of a mechanical center associated with the control stick mechanism and cardinality data defining a measured movement space associated with the control stick mechanism. The control circuitry is configured to present the mapped movement data for use in controlling one or more user interface elements with the control stick mechanism.

Abstract: Applications, devices and systems for toll collection are disclosed herein. An example system includes a mobile computing device that generates location based information of the mobile computing device, queries a database of toll booths defined by toll booth location, determines that the location based information of the mobile computing device matches at least one of the toll booth locations, and transmits to a gateway server location based information and identifying information that identifies a vehicle. The toll is processed using the received information.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method utilize rulesets associated with particular individuals to restrict or otherwise control the use of such individuals' likeness data into media presentations using character replacement or like technologies. A ruleset includes at least one rule configured to define a condition under which the likeness data for an individual may or may not be incorporated into a media presentation. As such, during the generation of a media presentation, the ruleset may be accessed and analyzed, whereby the likeness data for an individual may be selectively incorporated into a media presentation based upon the ruleset to generate a personalized version of the media presentation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for folding discrete items such as diapers at high speeds. Discrete items are conveyed in a machine direction toward a pair of vacuum drums rotating in the machine direction and first carrying a top side of a leading edge of the discrete item away from the conveyor, and then carrying a bottom side of the leading edge with a second rotational vacuum drum back towards the conveyor. The diaper fold is created at a contact point with a folding finger which travels rotationally and straight in a fixed orientation about a pair of belts, into and out of contact with the diaper.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method utilize a brokering service for use in controlling the incorporation of likeness data for an individual into a media presentation. The brokering service maintains a plurality of rulesets respectively associated with a plurality of individuals. Each ruleset is used to restrict or otherwise control the incorporation of likeness data associated with an associated individual into media presentations, typically through the inclusion of one or more rules configured to define conditions under which the likeness data for the associated individual may or may not be incorporated into a media presentation. The brokering service is capable of responding to requests for selected rulesets for different individuals by communicating the rulesets to various requesting entities.

Abstract: A system, and computer program product for managing the lifespan of a memory using a hybrid storage configuration are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A throttling rate is set to a first value for processing memory operations in the memory device. The first value is set using a health data of the memory device for determining the first value. A determination is made whether a memory operation can be performed on the memory device within the first value of the throttling rate, the first value of the throttling rate allowing a first number of memory operations using the memory device per time period. In response to the determining being negative, the memory operation is performed using a secondary storage device.

Abstract: A method for managing the lifespan of a memory using a hybrid storage configuration is provided in the illustrative embodiments. A throttling rate is set to a first value for processing memory operations in the memory device. The first value is set using a health data of the memory device for determining the first value. A determination is made whether a memory operation can be performed on the memory device within the first value of the throttling rate, the first value of the throttling rate allowing a first number of memory operations using the memory device per time period. In response to the determining being negative, the memory operation is performed using a secondary storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing a disposable product with zero waste ear formation and attaching the ears to a running chassis web.

Abstract: A method of matching a golfer's skills to a particular brand of golf balls by first testing a golfer's skills using a golf launch monitor, the data derived from this test being entered into an extensive computerized system of research databases. Further test results are taken for putting comparisons between all brands within the system. A final category known as “the feel index” is also tested and entered into the computer database. Based upon the results and golfer preference towards distance, accuracy, putting and feel, the top brand is selected for that person. This brand is then subjected to a series of air cannon tests to determine the performance characteristics of each ball. The balls are then subdivided into groups and performance rated for consistency.

Abstract: An air cannon apparatus and system for test launching golf balls. The apparatus includes a barrel sized to slidably receive a golf ball, an air pressure tank coupled to the barrel by an air control valve, a golf ball air clamp assembly for holding a golf ball for rotation about a spin axis within and transverse to the barrel, and a servomotor coupled to the air clamp assembly for controlledly spinning the golf ball prior to launching. The air control valve releases a charge of pressurized air from the air pressure tank into the barrel against the spinning golf ball simultaneous with releasing the clamp whereupon the golf ball is launched from the barrel. The system also includes a frame assembly for lockable positioning of the apparatus at a selected inclination angle and a system controller. The apparatus is selectively rotatable to vary the angular orientation of the spin axis.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that, in an embodiment, calculate scores for cells within a program based on a speed at which the cells were presented and a frequency that the cells were presented. A cell includes one or more frames of presentable data. Chapters within the program are then determined and located within the program based on gradients of the scores that exceed a threshold. The scores are calculated based on incrementing a score for each cell each time the cell is presented and by different amounts depending on the speed at which the cell is presented. In an embodiment, the score is incremented by a larger amount in response to a slower presentation speed of the associated cell. In an embodiment, scores may be received from multiple clients where the program was presented, the scores may be aggregated for all the clients, and the chapters may be determined based on the aggregated scores.

Abstract: A liquid, water-repellent, substantially anhydrous, spray-pumpable skin protectant composition is disclosed. The composition is designed for spraying directly onto skin, has suitable adherence to the skin, and resists running. The composition contains one or more actives, one or more rheology modifiers, and a carrier. The rheological modifiers can be waxes and/or associative thickeners such as some forms of silica. The carrier can be mineral oil or a mineral oil replacement (e.g., isohexadecane, cyclomethicone). Film-forming components also help the composition resist running. One indication for which the composition may be formulated is diaper rash. The active ingredient for diaper rash may be dimethicone and preferably also zinc oxide.

Abstract: A patient support and software evaluate spinal instability by controlled isocentric rotation of the spine and measurement of rotation among vertebra to detect damaged vertebra having disproportionately large rotations.

Abstract: A liquid, water-repellent, substantially anhydrous, spray-pumpable skin protectant composition is disclosed. The composition is designed for spraying directly onto skin, has suitable adherence to the skin, and resists running. The composition contains one or more actives, one or more rheology modifiers, and a carrier. The rheological modifiers can be waxes and/or associative thickeners such as some forms of silica. The carrier can be mineral oil or a mineral oil replacement (e.g., isohexadecane, cyclomethicone). Film-forming components also help the composition resist running. One indication for which the composition may be formulated is diaper rash. The active ingredient for diaper rash may be dimethicone and preferably also zinc oxide.

Abstract: Oral rinse and dentifrice compositions, comprising a phenolic selected from the group consisting of menthol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, thymol, triclosan, and mixtures thereof; and a cyclodextrin selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl ?-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl ?-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl ?-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl ?-cyclodextrin, ?-cyclodextrin, methyl ?-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof. These compositions are useful in retarding the development of plaque, treating gingivitis, and in treating the presence of micro-organisms in the oral cavity.