Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of light receiving elements, a plurality of A/D conversion units, and an offset giving unit. The light receiving elements are arrayed in one direction and each convert a light signal into an electrical signal. The A/D conversion units perform A/D conversion on the electrical signals output from the light receiving elements. The offset giving unit gives an offset voltage of a certain level to the electrical signals output from the light receiving elements without flowing a steady current before the electrical signals are input into the A/D conversion units.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the operation of devices within a home or other property based upon electrical usage data. With customer knowledge or consent, a home controller may retrieve and analyze electrical usage data corresponding to a device, such as by comparing it to certain threshold data. If the analysis results in a trigger condition, the controller may generate a command, and transmit the command to the device for implementation, allowing modification of device operation to address any issues indicated in the electrical usage data. The controller may also notify a home owner/occupant. As a result, faulty devices may be managed prior to their faults causing damage to the device and/or the property, and/or property owners may be timely prompted to investigate, repair, and/or replace a failing device. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon the risk mitigation/prevention functionality.

Abstract: In cancer-cell screening, a patient's cells are classified by a convolutional neural network (CNN) to identify abnormal cells. In one approach, a mask having a center more transparent than the mask's periphery is used to mask an input image containing a cell of interest to yield a masked image. Since the cell is usually located around an image center, and since the image often contains irrelevant objects, such as normal cells and micro-organisms, around an image periphery, interference due to the irrelevant objects in training the CNN and in classification is diminished by using the masked image rather than the original one. In another approach, masking is applied to feature maps before classification. In the CNN, this masking is accomplished by convolving each feature map with a convolutional kernel to produce an intermediate feature map followed by chopping off a peripheral region thereof to yield a downsized feature map.

Abstract: A method for automatically updating data associated with a wind turbine based on component self-identification may generally include providing instructions for transmitting a polling signal to an identification sensor associated with a wind turbine component and, in response to the transmission of the polling signal, receiving current configuration data for the wind turbine component from the identification sensor. The method may also include comparing the current configuration data received from the identification sensor to last-known configuration data for the wind turbine component and automatically updating one or more parameter settings associated with operating the wind turbine based on any differences identified between the current configuration data and the last-known configuration data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for identifying irregular electronic commerce transactions are provided. A server is configured to receive a request for a risk level associated with electronic commerce transactions. The sever accesses a communications account associated with a user who initiated the electronic commerce transaction. The user may initiate the electronic commerce transaction on a wireless device. The server accesses the communication patterns, payment patterns, and voice patterns of the communications account for the wireless device. If changes in the communication, payment, or voice patterns of wireless device are detected, the server assigns a high or medium risk level to the electronic commerce transaction. If the server is unable to identify the pattern change, the assigned risk level of the electronic commerce transaction is low. The assigned risk levels are received by a transaction processor and may influence a rate charged for processing the electronic commerce transaction.

Abstract: Overhead stowage bins for aircraft comprise a lower panel and one or more rollers. The lower panel is configured to support luggage and has a forward lip region. The one or more rollers are operatively coupled to the lower panel within the forward lip region and are positioned to facilitate insertion of luggage into the overhead stowage bin. Aircraft include a fuselage and a plurality of overhead stowage bins installed within the passenger compartment of the fuselage. Methods of stowing luggage in an overhead stowage bin comprise lifting a carry-on luggage unit, engaging the carry-on luggage unit with one or more rollers positioned at a forward lip region of the overhead stowage bin, and pushing the carry-on luggage unit into an internal volume of the overhead stowage bin.

Abstract: A Method and a device for obtaining information based on an audio input are disclosed. The method is performed at an electronic device having one or more processors and memory. The method includes: while running a social networking application, sending a first audio input to a server hosting the social networking application, wherein the first audio input is captured in response to a triggering event; retrieving, from the server, a product information item associated with a product identified based on the first audio input, wherein the product information item is obtained by comparing at least one audio feature of the first audio input with signature audio features extracted from audio of TV or radio broadcast within a predetermined time span; and displaying the retrieved product information item to a user of the electronic device within the social networking application.

Abstract: A communication circuit according to one embodiment includes a single element antenna, a plurality of signal-limiting circuits, a high-frequency transceiver circuit, and a low-frequency transceiver circuit. The high-frequency transceiver circuit is adapted to be selectively coupled to the single element antenna via the plurality of signal-limiting circuits and tuned to operate at a high frequency carrier frequency, and the low-frequency transceiver circuit is adapted to be selectively coupled to the single element antenna via the plurality of signal-limiting circuits and tuned to operate at a low frequency carrier frequency.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a joined member and a joined member manufacturing apparatus which can manufacture a joined member with a joint portion having an appropriate hardness.

Abstract: A perfume composition for improved release from a cyclodextrin complex, wherein the perfume composition includes 10% or more, by weight of the perfume, of one or more perfume raw materials having: a cyclodextrin complex stability constant of about 3.0 or less, a ClogP of about 2.5 or less; and a weight average molecular weight of about 200 Daltons or less.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling power semiconductor devices are described. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, there is disclosed a system. The system may include a serial communication link between a controller and a power electronics module, where a continuous bit stream passes through the serial communications link.

Abstract: A system combining a machine for blow-molding articles with a universal in-mold labeling apparatus. The apparatus has a frame on which turntables are mounted. Each turntable has an air rotary union, facilitating rotation of the respective turntable, and suction cups adapted to pick, hold, and release labels. The turntables deliver labels to the open molds of the machine. The apparatus also has a vertical slide positioned between the turntables. A placement head engages the turntables and moves up the vertical slide to a position in the open molds. At least one label magazine is affixed to the frame and retains the labels. Strategically placed air valves provide air and vacuum to pick, hold, and release labels. A human machine interface facilitates communication between an operator of the system and the system. Finally, a control system is provided to allow the operator to program and control both the machine and apparatus.

Abstract: An example method for plasma cleaning a container includes generating plasma flowing within the container, applying a magnet to an exterior surface of the container causing the plasma within the container to be attracted to the magnet, and moving the magnet in a motion over the exterior surface to control movement of the plasma within the container and to clean one or more areas of the container with the plasma according to the motion. An example system for plasma cleaning a container includes a power source, a gas inlet on the container for dispersing a gas within the container, and based on current flowing, the gas converts to plasma. The system also includes a robotic manipulator having an end effector coupled to a magnet to move the magnet in a motion over an exterior surface of the container causing the plasma within the container to be attracted to the magnet.

Abstract: An image generation device includes an image generator, a stationary unit, and a diffusion heat radiator. The image generator receives light and generate an image. The stationary unit includes a stationary plate and a movable unit. The movable unit includes a movable plate and a diffusion heat radiator. The movable plate is movably supported at a plurality of support portions by the stationary plate. The image generator is mounted on the movable plate. The diffusion heat radiator is connected to the movable plate at a plurality of connection portions of the movable plate. Assuming that one of the support portions constitutes a pair with one of the connection portions closest to the one of the support portions, each of the connection portions constitutes the pair with a corresponding one of the support portions that not share the pair with any other connection portion of the connection portions.

Abstract: A battery system for a vehicle includes: a battery assembly including at least one first battery module and at least one second battery module; a first relay being closed/opened between a first node and one of a first end of the first battery module and a first end of the second battery module being connected to a second end of the first battery module; a second relay being closed/opened between a second node and a second end of the second battery module; a converter converting a voltage between the nodes; a third relay being closed/opened between the converter and the first end of the first battery module; a fourth relay being closed/opened between the first end of the first battery module and a ground; and a battery manager controlling the relays based on a driving condition of the vehicle and energy storage amounts of the modules.

Abstract: Provided in this disclosure, in part, are methods, compositions, and systems for degrading organic matter, such as kerogen, in a subterranean formation. Further, these methods, compositions, and systems allow for increased hydraulic fracturing efficiencies in subterranean formations, such as unconventional rock reservoirs. Also provided in this disclosure is a method of treating kerogen in a subterranean formation including placing in the subterranean formation a composition that includes a first oxidizer including a persulfate and a second oxidizer including a bromate.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a device; and an information processing apparatus including a conversion unit configured to convert second data in a second format, different from a first format processable for the device, to generate first data in the first format; a first transmission unit configured to send the first data to the device; a reception unit configured to receive information indicating an operation to a screen, displayed on a display unit of the device based on the first data; and a second transmission unit configured to send to the device, an instruction to perform processing related to the operation indicated by the information, the processing being defined in the second data. The device includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire data that is an object to be processed in the processing performed in accordance with the instruction, via a network without passing through the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of curing a free-radically polymerizable composition includes contacting a curable composition with at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, ferrous metal oxides, aluminum oxide, nickel oxide, silver oxide, and combinations thereof. The curable composition includes: free-radically polymerizable compound; and a beta-dicarbonyl compound represented by the formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein: X1 and X2 independently represent a covalent bond, wherein each R4 independently represents H or alkyl having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrocarbyl or substituted-hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and R3 represents hydrogen, or a hydrocarbyl or substituted-hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, or taken together any two of R1, R2, or R3 form a five-membered or six-membered ring; an organic peroxide; and a quaternary ammonium halide. Articles including the cured compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a substrate having a dielectric layer over the substrate and a first conductive feature disposed within the dielectric layer. A metal nitride material is disposed directly on a top surface of the first conductive feature. A metal oxynitride material is disposed directly on a top surface of the dielectric layer, wherein the metal nitride and the metal oxynitride are coplanar. A second conductive feature is disposed over and interfacing the metal nitride material.