Abstract: A backlight for a display comprises a plurality of independently controllable light sources and inclined surfaces inclining in a radially outward direction from each light source for shaping the distribution of emitted light. The light sources may each comprise a group of differently-colored light emitters. The backlight may include light integrators configured to mix light of the differently-colored light emitters. Inclined surfaces for shaping the distribution of emitted light may be arranged around exits of the light integrators.

Abstract: A coating process is described that coats a coil-to-coil continuous substrate with a graphene-like coating. The coating process includes cleaning and activating a substrate, applying a graphene oxide dispersion to the substrate, drying the coated substrate, and exposing the dried coating to VUV radiation under a dry atmosphere. The atmosphere for the last step includes one or more inert gases and optionally one or more reactive gases to repair defects in the coating and/or to functionalize the coating. This coating process allows for the formation of a polygranular graphene-like coating intimately in contact with the substrate. The graphene-like coating coats the substrate with multiple monolayers of graphene in a continuous manner.

Abstract: An optical transmitter comprises a directly coupled MZ interferometer and driver circuit. The MZ interferometer comprises a pair of differentially driven MZ electrodes configured to impart RF signals to light travelling through respective arms of the interferometer, and to receive DC bias as a positive voltage via lower n-type cladding of the MZ interferometer. The lower n-type cladding is at a different positive DC potential to an upper plane RF ground of the MZ interferometer, but the lower n-type cladding and the upper plane RF ground have similar AC potential. The MZ interferometer also comprises a pair of resistors in series configured to provide differential RF termination of the MZ electrodes; and a capacitive coupling between a virtual ground formed at a centre point between the pair of resistors and an RF ground configured to provide common-mode RF termination. The DC supply for the driver circuit is applied to the centre point of the RF termination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for flexible capacity pool reservations for network-accessible resources are disclosed. A system includes a plurality of resources of a provider network, and a resource manager. The resource manager receives a reservation modification request from a client that has an existing reservation for an original resource capacity and an original reservation duration. The modification request specifies a desired resource capacity. The reservation manager identifies resources to provide the desired capacity, and determines pricing components for the requested modification based on the difference between the desires resource capacity and the original capacity and on the remaining portion of the duration of the existing reservation. The resource manager modifies the reservation as requested and notifies the client regarding the pricing components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming system for playing a progressive jackpot game including a visible meter and a deficit meter. The system includes a display, a wager acceptor, player-activated buttons, and a processor. A percentage of the wager defines a contribution to the game. Each time the game is played the visible meter is increased by an increment amount. If the deficit meter is less than zero, the increment amount equals a first portion of the contribution, and a second portion of the contribution is added to the deficit value. If the deficit meter is not less than zero, the increment amount equals a third portion of the contribution. When the game is won, the visible meter is reset to a reset value which comprises a base reset value plus a random value, and the random value is subtracted from the deficit meter.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to encode and decode image data comprising a tone mapped (TM) image with HDR reconstruction data in the form of luminance ratios and color residual values. In an example embodiment, luminance ratio values and residual values in color channels of a color space are generated on an individual pixel basis based on a high dynamic range (HDR) image and a derivative tone-mapped (TM) image that comprises one or more color alterations that would not be recoverable from the TM image with a luminance ratio image. The TM image with HDR reconstruction data derived from the luminance ratio values and the color-channel residual values may be outputted in an image file to a downstream device, for example, for decoding, rendering, and/or storing. The image file may be decoded to generate a restored HDR image free of the color alterations.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: A technology is described for prioritizing a plurality of interruptible computing instances. An example method may include receiving a request to interrupt an executing interruptible computing instance that may be included in a group of interruptible computing instances having assigned instance priority values. The instance priority values may establish an order in which the interruptible computing instances may be interrupted. The interruptible computing instance may be identified that has a lower instance priority value as compared to other instance priority values assigned to the interruptible computing instances. The interruptible computing instance identified may then be terminated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for safe on-line pigging decoking of a coker furnace tubes and which also permits on-line spalling operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided that employ one or more of a variety of techniques for reducing the time required to display high resolution images on a high dynamic range display having a light source layer and a display layer. In one technique, the image resolution is reduced, an effective luminance pattern is determined for the reduced resolution image, and the resolution of the effective luminance pattern is then increased to the resolution of the display layer. In another technique, the light source layer's point spread function is decomposed into a plurality of components, and an effective luminance pattern is determined for each component. The effective luminance patterns are then combined to produce a total effective luminance pattern. Additional image display time reduction techniques are provided.

Abstract: A projection display system includes a spatial modulator that is controlled to compensate for flare in a lens of the projector. The spatial modulator increases achievable intra-frame contrast and facilitates increased peak luminance without unacceptable black levels. Some embodiments provide 3D projection systems in which the spatial modulator is combined with a polarization control panel.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to encode and decode image data comprising a tone mapped (TM) image with HDR reconstruction data in the form of luminance ratios and color residual values. In an example embodiment, luminance ratio values and residual values in color channels of a color space are generated on an individual pixel basis based on a high dynamic range (HDR) image and a derivative tone-mapped (TM) image that comprises one or more color alterations that would not be recoverable from the TM image with a luminance ratio image. The TM image with HDR reconstruction data derived from the luminance ratio values and the color-channel residual values may be outputted in an image file to a downstream device, for example, for decoding, rendering, and/or storing. The image file may be decoded to generate a restored HDR image free of the color alterations.

Abstract: Directional image sensor data may be acquired with one or more directional image sensors. A light source and illumination image may be generated based on the directional image sensor data. A number of operations may be caused to be performed for an image based at least in part on light source information in the light source image. The operations may include display management operations, device positional operations, augmented reality superimposition operations, ambient light control operations, etc.

Abstract: A plant growth media composition, articles made therefrom, and methods of making and using the same are described. The plant growth media composition includes a combination of one or more plant growth substrate materials and an additive such as cellulose fibers, clay, carrageenan, alginate, chitosan, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An assembly of a platform assembly and a support structure, the platform assembly comprising a flexible platform, a plurality of support straps arranged to support the platform, a plurality of clamps supported by the support structure, the plurality of clamps provided along a side of the platform and clamping a side section of the platform, and a plurality of tensioning devices attached to the support straps at attachment locations and arranged to tension the support straps, wherein the attachment locations of the tensioning devices are positionable independently of the position of the clamps, and a method of assembly.

Abstract: Representation and coding of multi-view images using tapestry encoding are described for standard and enhanced dynamic ranges compatibility. A tapestry comprises information on a tapestry image, a left-shift displacement map and a right-shift displacement map. Perspective images of a scene can be generated from the tapestry and the displacement maps. Different methods for achieving compatibility are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for safe on-line pigging decoking of a coker furnace tubes and which also permits on-line spalling operations.

Abstract: A paper shredder support assembly for positioning a shredder above a receptacle includes a plate. A plurality of tubes is coupled to and extends from a bottom of the plate. Each tube comprises a plurality of nested sections so that the tube is selectively extensible. The plurality of tubes is positioned to support the plate over a receptacle. An opening is positioned in the plate. A shredder is positioned in the opening and is coupled to the plate. The shredder is configured to shred items that are inserted into the shredder so that shredded waste is expelled into the receptacle. A panel is selectively couplable to the plate to cover the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and an apparatus for quantitatively analyzing a gaseous process stream, in particular a stream from a process for producing ethylene carbonate and/or ethylene glycol, in particular where such stream comprises gaseous organic iodides.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.