Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of encoding a video stream using video point cloud coding include obtaining a source point cloud; generating a geometry map and a texture map based on the source point cloud; generating a reconstructed geometry map and a reconstructed texture map using lossy coding without using recoloring, wherein a resolution of the reconstructed geometry map is same as a resolution of the reconstructed texture map; obtaining a point of the source point cloud corresponding to a geometry pixel of the geometry map and a texture pixel of the texture map; selecting a color of the texture pixel based on a color of the obtained point; and generating an encoded video stream based on the selected color, the geometry map, and the texture map.

Abstract: Embodiments for determining an orientation of a scanned image. In an exemplary embodiment, a method comprises receiving image data of an image of one or more objects. Each object of the one or more objects in the image includes a plurality of points on a surface of the object. The method further comprises generating a plurality of subsets of points of the plurality of points and fitting a parametric model to more than one subset of the plurality of subsets to generate a plurality of parametric models. Further, the method identifies a parametric model of the plurality of parametric models that includes the largest number of points and orients the image based on the parametric model that includes the largest number of points.

Abstract: The technology described herein visibly depicts hidden message traits to help users determine whether an email is genuine or deceptive. The hidden message traits are revealed by identifying and changing attributes that keep the hidden traits from being displayed in a rendered message. Spam messages, phishing messages, and messages that include or link to malicious programs (e.g., malware, ransomware) are examples of unwanted messages that can harm a recipient. These messages often rely on deception to get past email filtering systems and to trick a user into acting on content in a message. The deception often involves including hidden traits in a message that fool an automated filtering system. The technology described herein shows the visible traits to a user by including them in the rendered version of the message.

Abstract: Systems and methods including one or more processors and one or more non-transitory storage devices storing computing instructions configured to run on the one or more processors and perform: receiving a request for an order comprising one or more items; determining when the order is eligible for batch picking by finding one or more other orders comprising at least one of the one or more items; and when the order is determined to be eligible for batch picking with the one or more other orders: creating one or more clusters by clustering together (1) the at least one of the one or more items of the order and (2) the at least one of the one or more items of the one or more other orders; estimating, for each respective cluster of the one or more clusters, an estimated fulfillment time interval to make ready the order; and assigning each respective cluster of the one or more clusters to at least one respective picker of one or more respective pickers. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An adjustable length strut includes two joints, a threaded rod extending between the joints, and a tube adapted to receive the threaded rod. An actuation mechanism with gear teeth extending radially outward of the strut axis is rotatably fixed to the threaded rod. A protrusion may be coupled to an end of the threaded rod by a rotatable collar, with the protrusion extending through a slot in the tube to mark the length of the strut. A modular attachment member may be adapted to be couple to the first joint and include a worm gear adapted to engage gear teeth of the actuation mechanism. The modular attachment member may include a radiofrequency identity tag mechanism adapted to be read by a tag reader of a tool, the tool adapted to couple to the attachment member to rotate the worm gear to increase or decrease the effective length of the strut.

Abstract: A vertically-elongated member, which is preferably a support post used in a molten metal pump, includes a ceramic tube and tensioning structures to add a compressive load to the tube along its longitudinal axis. This makes the tube less prone to breakage. Another vertically-elongated member, such as a support post, includes one or more reinforcement members to help alleviate breakage. A device, such as a pump, used in a molten metal bath includes one or more of such vertical members.

Abstract: Methods for correction of spinal deformities using bone anchors having one or more features configured to actively draw in and/or compact vertebral bone into an inner chamber. In some implementations, a first bone anchor having an inner chamber may be advanced into a first vertebral body of a spinal column. One of more features of the inner chamber may, as the first bone anchor is rotatably or otherwise advanced, actively draw and compact vertebral bone into the inner chamber. A second bone anchor may be advanced into a second vertebral body of the spinal column, after which a tether may be coupled between the first and second bone anchors to apply a corrective force to at least a portion of the spinal column.

Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to constructing and using seed audiences. In an embodiment, a method includes loading, by a processing device, a user event sequence, the user event sequence including a plurality of user events and a plurality of corresponding conversions; generating, by the processing device, a plurality of conversion neighborhoods based on the user event sequence, a given conversion neighborhood in the plurality of conversion neighborhood including at least one conversion rule and a set of user events from the plurality of user events; annotating, by the processing device, each conversion neighborhood in the plurality of conversion neighborhoods with categorical labels; and generating, by the processing device, seed audiences for each conversion neighborhood, a given seed audience including a ranked list of user events for each conversion rule associated with the conversion neighborhood.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for evaluating boundary detection in an image. A processed image is received, wherein a detected boundary of an image of an object is identified in the processed image. A Radon transform is applied to the processed image for a plurality of angles to form a processed image histogram corresponding to the detected boundary for each of the plurality of angles. The processed image histogram for each of the plurality of angles and a corresponding ground truth histogram for each of the plurality of angles is normalized to provide a normalized processed image histogram and a normalized ground truth histogram for each of the plurality of angles, wherein the ground truth histogram corresponds to a ground truth boundary of the object for a corresponding angle. An indication of the edges of the normalized processed image histogram for each of the plurality of angles is plotted to form a boundary detection evaluation visualization.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle can access map data comprising travel ways within a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle, and further access constraint data that define original navigational constraints within the map data. The vehicle can further receive constraint files comprising additional navigational constraints within the map data and modify the constraint data based on the constraint files. The vehicle can determine a travel route to a destination using composite constraint data and autonomously driver to the destination along the travel route accordingly.

Abstract: A system that optimizes the shape or configuration of an aircraft to minimize ground overpressure shock strength while in supersonic flight over speed restricted terrain and to morph to an optimized configuration for drag minimization while over unrestricted terrain.

Abstract: Various personal mobility vehicles, such as scooters, are disclosed. The scooter can include at least one battery and motor for powering at least one driven wheel. The vehicle can include a gear assembly to convert a torque produced by the motor to a different torque to a driven shaft to power the at least one driven wheel. The battery can be removable.

Abstract: An improved, efficient method for mapping world points from an environment (e.g., points generated by a LIDAR sensor of an autonomous vehicle) to locations (e.g., pixels) within rolling-shutter images taken of the environment is provided. This improved method allows for accurate localization of the world point in a rolling-shutter image via an iterative process that converges in very few iterations. The method poses the localization process as an iterative process for determining the time, within the rolling-shutter exposure period of the image, at which the world point was imaged by the camera. The method reduces the number of times the world point is projected into the normalized space of the camera image, often converging in three or fewer iterations.

Abstract: A process can be used to allow processing of thin layers of a workpiece including dies. The workpiece can include a base substrate and a plurality of layers overlying the base substrate. The process can include forming a polymer support layer over the plurality of layers; thinning or removing the base substrate within a component region of the workpiece, wherein the component region includes an electronic device; and singulating the workpiece into a plurality of dies after thinning or removing the base substrate. In another aspect, an electronic device can be formed using such process. In an embodiment, the workpiece may have a size corresponding to a semiconductor wafer to allow wafer-level, as opposed to die-level, processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning and inspection of drilling mud carrying flow lines, each flow line having an inner surface. The method includes affixing a fitting to the flow line, the fitting having a main flow channel and a branch flow channel extending at an angle from said main flow channel. A first end portion of the fitting can have an attachment that enables connection of the fitting to the flow line at one flow line end portion. A second end portion of the fitting can have one or more doors that can be moved between opened and closed positions, the door or doors providing an opening that is not closed when the doors are in the closed position. A suction line can be connected to the branch flow channel. A cleaning tool can be guided first into the fitting and then into the flow line using a fluid carrying cable. The cleaning tool and jetting fluid can be used to clean drilling mud and debris from the inner surface of the flow line.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to digital downloading jukebox systems of the type that typically include a central server and remote jukebox devices that communicate with the central server for royalty accounting and/or content updates. More particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that have revenue-enhancing features such as for example, music recommendation engines and bartender loyalty programs. Such innovative techniques help to both increase per jukebox revenue as well as keep jukebox patrons engaged with the jukebox.

Abstract: A basketball training device that is usable trains basketball players to sweep the ball low when dribbling against and opposing player or protect the ball if they are being defended by an opposing player with high hands is disclosed. The training device includes a base with a friction surface to engage the gym floor. Upright fibers are able to bend upon contact with a ball and regain their original position.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus related to gaming are described. Some embodiments relate to a multi-tiered game involving multiple participants. Some embodiments relate to players from a plurality of gaming operators playing games with one another. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to determine vehicle trailer weight. An example apparatus includes a first sensor disposed on a hitch coupled to a vehicle to measure a first rate of change of a weight of the vehicle. The example apparatus also includes a second sensor disposed on a chassis of the vehicle to measure a second rate of change of the weight of the vehicle. The example apparatus also includes a controller to monitor the first rate of change and the second rate of change to determine if the vehicle is improperly loaded.