Abstract: A method is disclosed for tracking vehicle and vehicle components. The method includes receiving, from a first computing device having a geolocation device, an identifier associated with an object, such as, for example, a vehicle or component of a vehicle. The identifier associated with the object can be associated, by the first computing device, with a location from the geolocation device. The identifier associated with the vehicle and the associated location from the geolocation device can be stored in a database. A query for the identifier can be received from a second computing device. A map application can display the location associated with the identifier of the object.

Abstract: An image augmentation system and method for simulating the application of a coating to a surface of an original image. A mask generator can perform a search to detect a recognized object depicted in the original image, and generate a object mask for the recognized object. A user interface can to receive an identification of a selected object and an identification of a selected coating to be simulated on the selected object, and display a painted image. A renderer can receive the object mask for the selected object and the selected coating and generate the painted image, each pixel of the painted image having a painted color determined based on the object mask, the coating, and the original image.

Abstract: A coating product selection system and method. Recognized objects in an input image can be used to determine one or more dominant colors for determining recommended coating products. An image augmentation system and method for simulating the application of a coating to a surface of the image in a scene. A scene record can store data records related to visualization of a scene such that multiple scene visualization clients can present painted images augmented based on assigned coatings.

Abstract: A padded protective frusto-conical shaped cup covering sized to slip over a camera lens is disclosed. The covering is designed to fit on either the front portion of the lens or the rear lens mount. The protective covering has beveled side walls which allow it to fit easily on a variety of different lenses. The protective covering is made from two separate layers of material, an outer cup made from a firm yet flexible material, and the inner liner made from a soft pliable material. In one embodiment the outer cup includes a circumferential retaining ring on the inside of the cup to help secure the cup onto a lens. The soft inner liner allows the covering to easily adhere to the camera lens, and also provides impact protection. The outer cup provides additional impact protection. The outer cup also includes a domed top portion which provides a crumple zone or impact bumper.

Abstract: A padded protective cup shaped covering sized to slip over a camera lens is disclosed. The covering is designed to fit on either the front portion of the lens or the lens mount. The protective covering has beveled side walls which allow it to fit easily on a variety of different lenses. The protective covering is made from two separate layers of material, an outer cup made from a firm yet flexible material, and the inner liner made from a soft pliable material. The soft inner liner allows the covering to easily adhere to the camera lens, and also provides impact protection. The outer cup provides additional impact protection. The outer cup also includes a domed top portion which provides a crumple zone or impact bumper. In one embodiment the outer cup has a clear optical grade lens or filer lens inserted or incorporated therein, which allows the camera user to take a photograph without removing the protective lens.

Abstract: A camera aiming and focus assist device using a laser to generate a point of view beam, and method of using the device is disclosed. The device projects a visible beam of light to create a focus spot on an intended subject to be photographed which allows a photographer to select a subject without looking through the camera view finder, and which allows the camera to focus on the desired subject in low light situations or in crowded or obstructed fields of view.

Abstract: A padded protective cup shaped covering sized to slip over a camera lens is disclosed. The covering is designed to fit on either the front portion of the lens or the lens mount. The protective covering has beveled side walls which allow it to fit easily on a variety of different lenses. The protective covering is made from two separate layers of material, an outer cup made from a firm yet flexible material, and the inner liner made from a soft pliable material. The soft inner liner allows the covering to easily adhere to the camera lens, and also provides impact protection. The outer cup provides additional impact protection. The outer cup also includes a domed top portion which provides a crumple zone or impact bumper. In one embodiment the outer cup has a clear optical grade lens or filer lens inserted or incorporated therein, which allows the camera user to take a photograph without removing the protective lens.

Abstract: A lens support system for stabilizing and securing a large camera lens when it is attached to a camera is disclosed. The lens support system consists of a lens cradle that is attached to the tripod mount of a large camera lens, and a neck strap attached to the lens cradle that will be worn around the photographer's neck. The lens support system can also be used to secure a lens when unattached to a camera, and can be used as a balanced hand-hold without the neck strap.

Abstract: A lens support system for stabilizing and securing a large camera lens when it is attached to a camera is disclosed. The lens support system consists of a lens cradle that is attached to the tripod mount of a large camera lens, and a neck strap attached to the lens cradle that will be worn around the photographer's neck. The lens support system can also be used to secure a lens when unattached to a camera, and can be used as a balanced hand-hold without the neck strap.

Abstract: A method for measuring changes in the composition of fluids, for medical diagnostics or quality control of fluids, comprising: One) placing a drop of fluid upon a quartz crystal; Two) generating ultrasonic vibrations of a predetermined frequency in the crystal; with the vibrating wave directed into the drop of fluid in a vertical direction relative to the area of the crystal upon which the drop is placed; Three) measuring voltage changes over a bridge circuit connected to the crystal, over a time period during which total or partial evaporation of the liquid occurs; Four) comparing the measurement result to previously obtained results or to predetermined data; Five) detecting changes in the composition of the fluid, from the results.

Abstract: A method for analysis of a multi-component fluid is provided based on the features of the dynamics of the self-organization processes in drying drops. An electro-acoustic resonator is utilized, with a drop of multi-component fluid placed on one end of the resonator. A shear oscillation is imparting to the resonator along its longitudinal axis. And oscillating electric voltage is placed across the resonator generally perpendicular to the direction of mechanical oscillation. Changes in the electrical conductance corresponding to changes in the acoustical-mechanical impedance can thereby be measured as the drop of multi-component liquid dries. The particular geometry of an amplitude curve includes identifying the spatio-temporal development and phase transitions is used for integral estimation of food authenticity and quality.

Abstract: A die apparatus for forming a high strength metal article under elevated temperature and pressure has at least two opposing die segments together forming a hollow mold chamber for receiving a mold blank between the die segments, the mold chamber having a radial central plane transverse to the longitudinal axis. Each die segment has a plurality of ribs or indents, each rib or indent having a first side facing the central plane and a second side facing away from the central plane. At least the majority of the ribs or indents are of non-uniform shape and have a first and second side at a different angle relative to the central plane, the angle of the second side being greater than the angle of the first side such that the second side is directed generally towards the center of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A die apparatus for forming a high strength metal article under elevated temperature and pressure has at least two opposing die segments together forming a hollow mold chamber for receiving a mold blank between the die segments, the mold chamber having a radial central plane transverse to the longitudinal axis. Each die segment has a plurality of ribs or indents, each rib or indent having a first side facing the central plane and a second side facing away from the central plane. At least the majority of the ribs or indents are of non-uniform shape and have a first and second side at a different angle relative to the central plane, the angle of the second side being greater than the angle of the first side such that the second side is directed generally towards the center of the mold cavity.

Abstract: An improved interface coating for a fibrous material composed of a silicon-containing boron nitride having the general composition BSi.sub.x N.sub.1+1.33x, and containing from 2 wt % to 42 wt % of silicon, with substantially no free silicon present. The coating is formed by CVD using reactant vapors of ammonia and a gaseous source of both boron and silicon which flow into the furnace chamber at a controlled flow ratio to nitride the deposit to form the complex coating.