Abstract: An electro-optical system includes a voltage supply device, an active polarizing layer, a retarding layer, and a reflective layer. The active polarizing layer is electrically coupled to the voltage supply device. The active polarizing layer is configured to switch back and forth between a non-polarized state and a polarized state as the voltage supply device supplies varying levels of voltage. The retarding layer is configured to alter the polarization state of light traveling through it. The reflective layer is positioned adjacent to the retarding layer.

Abstract: A method for a vehicle includes determining a region of interest based on environment sensor data corresponding an environment of the vehicle and a machine-learned predictor configured to identify, within the environment sensor data, a region as the region of interest that at least statistically coincides with a line of sight of an occupant of the vehicle. The method also includes classifying a detected object within the determined region of interest using an object detection algorithm. The method also includes operating the vehicle in based on at least one of the detected object and the determined region of interest.

Abstract: A method of operating a voice assistant system (30) of a vehicle (20) includes inputting (104) a voice input (200) into a computing device (28), and converting (106) the voice input into a natural language input text data file (224) with a speech-to-text converter (50). The natural language input text data file is analyzed (108) to determine a requested action (108). An action identifier (44) determines if the requested action is a cloud-based action (112) or an on-board based action (122). When the requested action is determined to be the cloud-based action, the computing device communicates (114) the text data file to a cloud-based service provider (226). When the requested action is determined to be the on-board based action, then the computing device executes (126) the requested action with a skill (46) operable on the computing device to perform the requested action.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for capturing tracked activity data and synchronizing the tracked activity data across multiple devices. One of the methods includes, a controller, in communication with a plurality of user devices, receiving identification of activities to be tracked from a first user device of a group of user devices associated with a single user identification. Thereafter, the controller receives the tracked activity data from any user device of the group of user devices, and sends the tracked activity data to the other user devices of the group of user devices. The method includes generating a user interface based on the identified activities, the tracked activity data, and the additional tracked activity data from other user devices. The method includes generating a time entry by populating a time entry template based on the selected activity data.

Abstract: A display with local dimming backlight and an active privacy mode. The display may include a backlight source, lenses, a passive diffuser, an active diffuser and a transmissive display. The backlight source may define a two-dimensional matrix of light sources configured to generate an initial light. The lenses may be mounted adjacent to the backlight source, aligned with the light sources, and configured to generate a collimated light. The passive diffuser may be mounted adjacent to the lenses and configured to spatially spread the collimated light. The active diffuser may be mounted adjacent to the passive diffuser, configured to generate an intermediate light in response to the collimated light, and configured to change a diffusive property of the intermediate light in response to a scattering signal. The transmissive display may be mounted adjacent to the active diffuser and configured to generate multiple visible images by modulating the intermediate light.

Abstract: A display module for use as a front dashboard, a center console, a passenger entertainment display, or an instrument panel is described. The display module includes a display assembly that is joined to a cover lens via an optically clear adhesive layer. The display assembly is arranged as a flat planar device, and the cover lens is arranged as a curved planar surface that includes an inner laminate sheet that is joined to an outer laminate sheet via a second adhesive layer.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch assistance system includes comprising an imaging system, a steering system, a dead reckoning device and a controller. The controller determines a hitch location within a vehicle exterior image received from the imaging system and controls the steering system to guide the vehicle in a reverse direction to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the hitch location, including by tracking the location of the vehicle using information received from the dead reckoning device.

Abstract: An expandable connection is configured such that a metal-to-metal seal is created upon expansion, even under different expansion ratios. The creation of the metal-to-metal seal can rely on a spring-back effect after expansion. A high pressure rating of the metal-to-metal seal that is created can be achieved with an oversized box face thickness. The expandable connection can also be configured to achieve a high tensile efficiency.

Abstract: An identification circuit for a CATV plug-in fixed attenuator is disclosed. The disclosed identification circuit may include an attenuator, a power supply module to supply power, a detection module to detect an output divided voltage value, and a microcontroller unit (MCU) identification module to determine an attenuation value of the CATV plug-in fixed attenuator based on the detected divided voltage value. The power supply module is connected to an input terminal of the plug-in fixed attenuator. The detection module is connected to an output terminal of the plug-in fixed attenuator and to the MCU identification module. With the disclosed embodiments, attenuation parameters can be determined remotely and failures on the line can be located.

Abstract: A system includes a switch-mode power supply for drawing low and constant current from a power source. The switch-mode power supply may charge an energy storage element with low and constant current. In a normal condition, a current driver may cause the illuminator to emit electromagnetic radiation as a plurality of flashes. In the normal condition, the system may include an average power that is less than or equal to a threshold value associated with the illuminator. In a fault condition, the illuminator may continuously emit electromagnetic radiation, at low current. In the fault condition, the switch-mode power supply may supply low and constant current to the illuminator. Similarly, in the fault condition, the system may include an average power that is less than or equal to a threshold value associated with the illuminator.

Abstract: An inflatable in-ear device includes a core member with a platform provided with a sealing assembly in the form of a locating recess for the registration of a retention ring formed around a defining opening of a sheath arranged in close circumjacent manner around the platform attached to the core member, an abutment surface being formed on a capping for the platform and the core member whereby in use positive location of the retention ring within the recess is achieved by the closure of the recess by the abutment surface. A space is defined between the sheath and the core member for the injection of a settable material used for the inflation of the sheath once the device is emplaced within the ear canal of the ear.

Abstract: An input knob for use with a touch screen device includes stationary and moveable members. The stationary member adheres to a touch screen of the device. The moveable member moves relative to the stationary member, and is secured to the surface via the stationary member. The moveable member produces touch events on the touch surface as bits of data in response to movement of the moveable member. The moveable member may include a rotary encoder. The stationary member may include conductive pads in contact with the surface and in selective contact with a conductive mass of the moveable member. The moveable member may be ring-shaped, removeable and repositionable with respect to the surface, and/or constructed of or coated by dielectric materials. The knob may lack a direct hardwired electrical connection to or through the surface. A display system includes the touch screen device and knob.

Abstract: An optical module is disclosed. The disclosed optical module may include a retractable structure having a housing and an upper cover. A clip component for connecting to a chassis is arranged within the housing. A release component for controlling the clip component is arranged on the upper cover. More space within the housing can be available for internal components of the optical module.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling a mixture of hot gas and liquid received from a compressor and simultaneously separating the gas from the liquid, the apparatus comprising a receiving inlet, a header unit, a collector, and a plurality of conduits comprising turbulators which creates turbulence and heat-exchange surfaces to simultaneously separate the liquid from the gas and cooling both the liquid and the gas, and the method comprising receiving the mixture from the compressor through a receiving inlet; directing the mixture into a plurality of conduits; and in each of the plurality of conduits, simultaneously separating the liquid from the gas and cooling both the gas and the liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an equalization circuit for a CATV plug-in fixed attenuator which comprises an equalizer, an equalization compensation circuit and a MCU module. The equalizer comprises a CATV plug-in fixed attenuator identification module and an equalizing module. The CATV plug-in fixed attenuator identification module is connected to the equalizing module and the MCU module. The equalization compensation circuit is connected to an output terminal of the equalizer and the MCU module. The embodiments enable identification of a changing attenuation value and compensation of the frequency response.

Abstract: A compliant display assembly employing a glass outer screen is configured to permit bending of the glass outer screen without buckling or cracking. The compliant display assembly includes a planar glass sheet, a first planar housing, a second planar housing, and a hinge, wherein the first planar housing is pivotably coupled to the second planar housing via the hinge. The planar glass sheet is attached to the first and second planar housings. The first planar housing is arranged to pivot relative to the second planar housing via the hinge. The hinge is arranged to limit the pivot angle between the first planar housing and the second planar housing to a maximum pivot angle. The hinge is arranged to secure the first planar housing in relation to the second planar housing.

Abstract: A bi-modal dimming mirror includes a display and a switchable mirror configured to vary in transmissivity in response to a dimming control signal, which includes one or more of an LCD voltage, a rotator control signal, and/or a polarizer control signal. The bi-modal dimming mirror includes a visible segment overlying the display panel and a sample segment for calibrating the transmissivity or the reflectivity of the switchable mirror. A light source projects a light beam through the sample segment, which is measured by a light sensor. A liquid crystal cell changes polarization of light passing therethrough in response to application of an LCD voltage. In some embodiments, an active absorptive polarizer varies in absorption of polarized light in response to a polarizer control signal. An active polarization rotator varies rotation of polarized light in response to a rotator control signal.

Abstract: A dimmable display lens system and method is provided which includes a display element configured to emit light. The system and method also includes a dimmable lens disposed in the direction of light emission of the display element and configured to increase the transmission of light emitted by the display through the dimmable lens. The dimmable lens also includes a control system configured to increase the transmission of light emitted by the display according to a plurality of light transmission incremental steps. The control system includes a feedback control system configured to adjust the transmission of light through the dimmable lens based at least on the measured values of an ambient light sensor and a forward looking light sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a second file in a target using a first file and a difference file is provided. The system also provides for a method of transferring a difference file from a source device to the target device in a two or more partial blocks which may be transferred independently and which do not all need to be stored in the target device at any given time. The partial blocks of the subject system each include a plurality of segments, which may each function as a difference instruction to instruct the target device to generate a corresponding portion of the second file. Each of these segments may include a reference to source data within the first data or a reference to new plain data that is provided within the partial block. In this way, the second file may be accurately constructed while minimizing the data transferred.