Abstract: A system comprising: a planter or pot configured to receive a plant with a root base embedded in plant bedding material; a fluid tank arrangement configured to contain irrigation fluid; at least one irrigation pipe with a continuous wick; at least one irrigation stake comprising a tipped end configured to be embedded in the bedding material in proximity to the root base. The at least one irrigation stake is coupled to the fluid tank arrangement by the at least one irrigation pipe. The wick is configured to originate from inside the fluid tank arrangement and extend through the irrigation stake to a fluid outlet location in proximity to the tipped end of the irrigation stake. Fluid inside the fluid tank arrangement is thereby configured to be conveyed by the wick through a fluid outlet in the irrigation stake to the plant root base by capillary action.

Abstract: A method of generating a player prediction is disclosed herein. A computing system retrieves data from a data store. The computing system generates a predictive model using an artificial neural network. The artificial neural network generates one or more personalized embeddings that include player-specific information based on historical performance. The computing system selects, from the data, one or more features related to each shot attempt captured in the data. The artificial neural network learns an outcome of each shot attempt based at least on the one or more personalized embeddings and the one or more features related to each shot attempt.

Abstract: A method of upcycling polymers to useful hydrocarbon materials. A catalyst with nanoparticles on a substrate selectively docks and cleaves longer hydrocarbon chains over shorter hydrocarbon chains. The catalyst includes metal nanoparticles in an order array on a substrate.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for energy management at a consist. In one example, a method for the energy management includes coordinating a distribution of a power demand in response to a power output of each of a fuel cell system, a battery system, and an engine system. The power output of each of the fuel cell system, the battery system, and the engine system may be selected based on a respective efficiency of each system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transaction card may include a card body comprising a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a chip secured to the top surface of the card body and configured to communicate wirelessly; a feedback element secured to the card body and including one or more tactile elements and a feedback sensor; and a feedback processor in communication with the chip and the feedback element. The feedback processor may, in response to receiving a signal from the feedback sensor indicative of the presence of a thumb or finger of a user on the feedback element and in response to receiving a signal from the chip, drive one or more of the one or more tactile elements to generate tactile feedback for the user.

Abstract: A system and method of calibrating moving cameras capturing a sporting event is disclosed herein. A computing system retrieves a broadcast video feed for a sporting event. The broadcast video feed includes a plurality of video frames. The computing system labels, via a neural network, components of a playing surface captured in each video frame. The computing system matches a subset of labeled video frames to a set of templates with various camera perspectives. The computing system fits a playing surface model to the set of labeled video frames that were matched to the set of templates. The computing system identifies camera motion in each video frame using an optical flow model. The computing system generates a homography matrix for each video frame based on the fitted playing surface model and camera motion. The computing system calibrates each camera based on the homography matrix generated for each video frame.

Abstract: A method may include obtaining irradiance data at a first time and a second time from sensors, determining whether one or more solar modules of a plurality of networked power plants will be covered by a shadow or shade at a third time based on the irradiance data, and generating, based on the determination, a power output prediction for each power plant of the networked power plants at the third time. The method may further include receiving power delivery profiles for first and second loads, adjusting a power output of one or more power plants of the networked power plants based at least in part on the power output prediction and the power delivery profiles for the first and second loads, and allocating a combined power output of the power plants to the first and second loads based on first and second load reliability thresholds.

Abstract: Data are maintained in a distributed computing system that describe a graph. The graph represents relationships among items. The graph has a plurality of vertices that represent the items and a plurality of edges connecting the plurality of vertices. At least one vertex of the plurality of vertices includes a set of label values indicating the at least one vertex's strength of association with a label from a set of labels. The set of labels describe possible characteristics of an item represented by the at least one vertex. At least one edge of the plurality of edges includes a set of label weights for influencing label values that traverse the at least one edge. A label propagation algorithm is executed for a plurality of the vertices in the graph in parallel for a series of synchronized iterations to propagate labels through the graph.

Abstract: An inductive position sensor can include a first target coil, included in a target, and including a first outer lobe that has a size based on a first shift ratio of a harmonic period of a receiver coil, and a first inner lobe having a size based on a second shift ratio of the harmonic period where the harmonic period corresponds with a harmonic and the first shift ratio is different from the second shift ratio. The inductive position sensor also include a second target coil including a second outer lobe having a size based on the second shift ratio, and a second inner lobe having a size based on the first shift ratio.

Abstract: A foot force detection system includes first and second shoe force detection units. The first shoe force detection unit includes a first plurality of pressure sensors operably coupled to produce first force data, a first processing module operably coupled to produce a first digital representation of the first force data and a first communication unit operably coupled to the first processing module. The second shoe force detection unit includes a second plurality of pressure sensors operably coupled to produce second force data, a second processing module operably coupled to produce a second digital representation of the second force data, and a second communication unit operably coupled to the second processing module. The first and second shoe force detection units communicate with each other via the communication units.

Abstract: The tree topper stabilizer secures various types and sizes of ornaments to a tree by providing a stable, adjustable platform. It comprises a threaded mounting adapter, an attachment adapter, one or more rod mounts, at least two threaded tabs with gripper leg connectors, and a collar. The gripper legs interlock with the connectors, and the collar tightens around the threaded tabs, causing them to flex inward, securing the gripper legs against the branches. The stabilizer supports ornaments using rods, hooks, or cone attachments, including hollow ornaments that are secured by flexible cone tabs that adjust to various sizes. The attachment adapter is adjustable, enabling different ornament orientations. The stabilizer may include a base, gripping prongs on the collar for improved tightening, and spikes on the gripper legs for added stability. It is suitable for both natural and artificial trees, ensuring secure placement of decorations during display.

Abstract: A vehicular headlight system includes a headlight configured to mount at a vehicle equipped with the vehicular headlight system. The headlight includes a lens and a light source that, with the headlight mounted at the vehicle and, when the light source is electrically operated, emits light through the lens to illuminate a region forward of the vehicle. The vehicular headlight system includes a cover that, with the headlight mounted at the vehicle, is movable relative to the headlight between a deployed position and a retracted position. When the cover is in the deployed position, the cover extends over and along the lens of the headlight so that the headlight is not viewable. When the cover is in the retracted position, the cover is moved laterally away and inboard of the headlight so that the headlight is viewable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an image of an automobile can include generating an artificial surface for the automobile, blending the artificial surface with a real world surface, and generating the image of the automobile using a blended surface. The image can have a number of different blended surfaces (e.g., a cleaner floor, shadows for the automobile, reflections for the automobile). The images can be used to create a 360 degree display of the automobile where the blended surface is displayed.

Abstract: A network system that provides logic-based parameters for dynamic digital construction of hierarchical process flows. The hierarchical arrangement organizes a process flow into enterprise hierarchy structures. The system will automatically capture rules and objectives configured in a rules database and apply the rules and objectives across the process flows. When conflicts are detected based on the rules and the parameters of the process flows, the system provides a smart signal to notify a user of the nature of the conflict.

Abstract: A multi-phase power inverter for an electric propulsion system includes a plurality of H-type multilevel power converters arranged between a high-voltage DC power supply and an electric machine. Each of the plurality of H-type multilevel power converters is a solid-state integrated circuit (IC) that includes a positive DC power bus, a negative DC power bus, a neutral bus, and a plurality of semiconductor switches disposed in a stacked arrangement. The plurality of semiconductor switches is interconnected via the positive DC power bus, the negative DC power bus, and the neutral bus.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed to perform signature matching using noise cancellation models to achieve consensus. Example apparatus disclosed herein include a signature matcher to compare a first stream of monitored media signatures to streams of reference signatures representative of corresponding reference media to determine a first signature match, and compare a second stream of monitored media signatures to the streams of reference signatures to determine a second signature match; a match selector to use at least one the first signature match or the second signature match to identify a first one of the reference media corresponding to the monitored media data; and a creditor interface to output identification data for the first one of the reference media identified with the at least one the first signature match or the second signature match, the identification data to be used to credit a media exposure corresponding to the monitored media.

Abstract: A method for moving a retractable cowl cover of a vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position includes, while the retractable cowl cover is in the extended position receiving a first wiper input including an input to turn on operation of one or more windshield wipers. Based on receiving the first wiper input, the method also includes instructing at least one actuator to move the retractable cowl cover in a first direction from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing text messaging-based authentication in absence of a physical authentication token. In some embodiments, the system receives, from a mobile device, a first text message, in which the mobile device is operating on a mobile network and associated with a user digital identifier relating to the mobile network, and the first text message indicates a request for access in absence of the physical authentication token. The system performs an account search based on the user digital identifier. In response to locating a user account associated with the user digital identifier, the system performs an assessment based on mobile device information relating to the mobile network and associated with the user digital identifier; selects, from a plurality of candidate authentication protocols, an authentication protocol based on the assessment; and manages, based on the authentication protocol, the request for access in absence of the physical authentication token.

Abstract: Image sensors, imaging systems, and methods for eliminating blooming artifacts in high dynamic range imaging. The image sensor includes a pixel array and a controller. The controller is configured to detect that a first pixel signal is at or below a barrier value. The first pixel signal is generated during a first exposure. The controller is also configured to compare neighboring pixel signals to the barrier value. The controller is further configured to determine a first image value for the center pixel based on a second pixel signal when at least one of the neighboring pixel signals is above the barrier value. The second pixel signal is generated during a second exposure that is shorter than the first exposure. The controller is also configured to set the first image value to the first pixel signal when each of the neighboring pixel signals is at or below the barrier value.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a bale chamber having a discharge outlet and a bale splitting system. The bale splitting system includes a cutting mechanism arranged downstream of the discharge outlet and configured to split the bale into two smaller bales. The cutting mechanism is angled forwardly or rearwardly relative to a top wall or a bottom wall of the bale chamber. A bale splitting system that includes two cutting mechanisms angled in opposite directions relative to the bottom wall or the top wall of the bale chamber is also provided.