Abstract: A system and method for perceptual processing, organization, categorization, recognition, and manipulation of visual images and visual elements. The sysstem utilizes a dynamic perceptual organization schema to adaptively drive image-processing sub-algorithms. The schema incorporates knowledge about the visual world, human perception and image categories within its structure. A fuzzy logic query control system integrates the knowledge base and image processing drivers.

Abstract: An automobile information system facilitates communication within clusters of components and among various clusters. Each cluster has logically related automobile components (e.g., environment control components, entertainment components, etc.) interconnected to a cluster controller connected via a data communications bus. The cluster controller is responsible with disseminating information received from an external source and exchanging information between two or more components. The cluster controller is implemented as a general-purpose computing device having an open platform operating system, which supports multiple applications and provides interfaces to the components. The cluster controllers are interconnected via another data communications bus to enable information flow between clusters. In this manner, any component in one cluster can share information with any component in another cluster without need for dedicated wiring or specially written code.

Abstract: An automobile information system facilitates communication within clusters of components and among various clusters. Each cluster has logically related automobile components (e.g., environment control components, entertainment components, etc.) interconnected to a cluster controller connected via a data communications bus. The cluster controller is responsible with disseminating information received from an external source and exchanging information between two or more components. The cluster controller is implemented as a general-purpose computing device having an open platform operating system, which supports multiple applications and provides interfaces to the components. The cluster controllers are interconnected via another data communications bus to enable information flow between clusters. In this manner, any component in one cluster can share information with any component in another cluster without need for dedicated wiring or specially written code.

Abstract: A fault-resilient automobile control system integrates diverse and separate automobile components and provides fault-tolerance to component failure. The automobile control system includes a master control unit (MCU) electrically coupled via a primary data communications bus to the electronic automobile components. The MCU is master of the bus and manages data flow over the bus among the electronic automobile components. The MCU can be configured with a routing table to route data monitored in one component to one or more other components. The MCU is also capable of performing the same functions as those performed by local controllers at the electronic components. During initialization, driver software for all of the local controllers is downloaded and storded at the MCU. In the event that a local controller fails, the MCU executes the driver software for the failed controller to remotely control the electronic automobile component in place of the failed local controller.