Abstract: Improving the accuracy of predicted segmentation masks, including: extracting a ground-truth RGB image buffer and a binary contour image buffer from a ground-truth RGB image container for segmentation training; generating predicted segmentation masks from the ground-truth RGB image buffer; generating second binary contours from the predicted segmentation masks using a particular algorithm; computing a segmentation loss between manually-segmented masks of the ground-truth RGB image buffer and the predicted segmentation masks; computing a contour accuracy loss between contours of the binary contour image buffer and the binary contours of the predicted segmentation masks; computing a total loss as a weighted average of the segmentation loss and the contour accuracy loss; and generating improved binary contours by compensating the contours of the binary contour image buffer with the computed total loss, wherein the improved binary contours are used to improve the accuracy of the predicted segmentation masks.

Abstract: Methods and systems including: applying a gamma adjustment to frames of an input video with particular values of parameters to generate at least one set of gamma-adjusted frames to generate at least one set of gamma-adjusted frames; applying a segmentation technique to the at least one set of gamma-adjusted frames to generate segmentation masks; applying an optical flow technique to the at least one set of the gamma-adjusted frames to generate optical flow maps; and combining the segmentation masks and the optical flow maps to generate hybrid segmentation masks.

Abstract: Improving the accuracy of predicted segmentation masks, including: extracting a ground-truth RGB image buffer and a binary contour image buffer from a ground-truth RGB image container for segmentation training; generating predicted segmentation masks from the ground-truth RGB image buffer; generating second binary contours from the predicted segmentation masks using a particular algorithm; computing a segmentation loss between manually-segmented masks of the ground-truth RGB image buffer and the predicted segmentation masks; computing a contour accuracy loss between contours of the binary contour image buffer and the binary contours of the predicted segmentation masks; computing a total loss as a weighted average of the segmentation loss and the contour accuracy loss; and generating improved binary contours by compensating the contours of the binary contour image buffer with the computed total loss, wherein the improved binary contours are used to improve the accuracy of the predicted segmentation masks.

Abstract: Methods and systems including: applying a gamma adjustment to frames of an input video with particular values of parameters to generate at least one set of gamma-adjusted frames to generate at least one set of gamma-adjusted frames; applying a segmentation technique to the at least one set of gamma-adjusted frames to generate segmentation masks; applying an optical flow technique to the at least one set of the gamma-adjusted frames to generate optical flow maps; and combining the segmentation masks and the optical flow maps to generate hybrid segmentation masks.

Abstract: A gas-fueled portable device for the thermal dispensing of volatile materials such as insect repellents is described. The device employs a pressure regulator to establish gas flow, heat generation, and dispensing temperature at pre-determined optimal values. The automatic operation at pre-determined settings provides simple on/off operation for the user of the device.

Abstract: A gas-fueled portable device for the thermal dispensing of volatile materials such as insect repellents is described. The device employs a pressure regulator to establish gas flow, heat generation, and dispensing temperature at pre-determined optimal values. The automatic operation at pre-determined settings provides simple on/off operation for the user of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for cooling and heating an individual's neck. Devices of the invention include two heating and cooling members that each a contoured surface for resting against a side of a user's neck and are coupled together via a bridge portion. The members each include a temperature assembly. The temperature assembly includes a heating and cooling module positioned against the contoured surface of the member. The temperature assembly may also include a heat sink, a fan, or both. The device further includes a controller for controlling the temperature assembly.

Abstract: An efficient system to heat the insole of a heated insole of a shoe in which the Intelligent Circuit (IC) for a flat lithium battery is located outside the shoe and the placement of the heater for the insole is between more efficient heat insulation and heat conducting members.

Abstract: A unit for dispensing repellant that is mounted on a fence post. The unit also has a lighting system for illuminating an area. The dispensing system and lighting system are operable independently of each other.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing active ingredient such as insect repellant. The device. The device generates two distinct air streams. A first air stream contains the active ingredient and a second air stream generated by a mechanical blower assists in carrying the dispensed active ingredient.

Abstract: A unit for dispensing repellant that is mounted on a fence post. The unit also has a lighting system for illuminating an area. The dispensing system and lighting system are operable independently of each other.

Abstract: A portable device which generates heat and which can be used alternatively as a corded, plug-in device or as a cordless, fuel-powered device. The device has dual heating capabilities—each of which is powered by a unique cartridge. For use as a plug-in device an electric cartridge that connects the device to an adapter is utilized, whereas for use as a portable device a fuel cartridge is utilized for supplying a hydrocarbon fuel to support combustion. Use of one of the cartridges prevents the use of the other.

Abstract: A combination flashlight and insect repellent dispensing apparatus. Light is produced by light bulbs or LEDs whereas insect repellent is dispensed by heating a volatilizable insecticide. The insecticide and portable light may be used either concurrently or independently of each other.

Abstract: A combination flashlight and insect repellent dispensing apparatus. Light is produced by light bulbs or LEDs whereas insect repellent is dispensed by heating a volatilizable insecticide. The insecticide and portable light may be used either concurrently or independently of each other.

Abstract: A combination lantern and insect repellent dispensing apparatus. Light is produced by light bulbs or LEDs whereas insect repellent is dispensed by heating a volatilizable insecticide. The insecticide and portable light may be used either concurrently or independently of each other.

Abstract: A portable device which generates heat and which can be used alternatively as a corded, plug-in device or as a cordless, fuel-powered device. The device has dual heating capabilities—each of which is powered by a unique cartridge. For use as a plug-in device an electric cartridge that connects the device to an adapter is utilized, whereas for use as a portable device a fuel cartridge is utilized for supplying a hydrocarbon fuel to support combustion. Use of one of the cartridges prevents the use of the other.

Abstract: A combination lantern and insect repellent dispensing apparatus. Light is produced by light bulbs or LEDs whereas insect repellent is dispensed by heating a volatilizable insecticide The insecticide and portable light may be used either concurrently or independently of each other.

Abstract: A candle with a decorative light element is provided. A light emitting device is disposed within the main body of the candle, and a sensor connected to the light emitting device detects the presence of a flame on the wick. When a flame is detected by the sensor, the light emitting device is activated. The portion of the candle from which the wick projects is preferably substantially opaque, and the portion of the candle in which the light emitting device is disposed is preferably at least partially light transmissible or translucent, so that the glow of the flame does not interfere with the glow of the light emitting device within the candle.

Abstract: A candle with a decorative light element is provided. A light emitting device is disposed within the main body of the candle, and a sensor connected to the light emitting device detects the presence of a flame on the wick. When a flame is detected by the sensor, the light emitting device is activated. The portion of the candle from which the wick projects is preferably substantially opaque, and the portion of the candle in which the light emitting device is disposed is preferably at least partially light transmissible or translucent, so that the glow of the flame does not interfere with the glow of the light emitting device within the candle.