Abstract: Techniques and tools for reducing latency in video encoding and decoding by constraining latency due to reordering of video frames, and by indicating the constraint on frame reordering latency with one or more syntax elements that accompany encoded data for the video frames. For example, a real-time communication tool with a video encoder sets a syntax element that indicates a constraint on frame reordering latency, which is consistent with inter-frame dependencies between multiple frames of a video sequence, then outputs the syntax element. A corresponding real-time communication tool with a video decoder receives the syntax element that indicates the constraint on frame reordering latency, determines the constraint on frame reordering latency based on the syntax element, and uses the constraint on frame reordering latency to determine when a reconstructed frame is ready for output (in terms of output order).

Abstract: A semiconductor package may include a line array of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). The line array of single-photon avalanche diodes may be split between multiple silicon dice. The silicon dice may have a staggered arrangement, with prisms on the package lid redirecting incident light to the silicon dice. The silicon dice may alternate between a first side of the package substrate and a second side of the package substrate. The prisms may alternate between a first structure that redirects incident light to the first side of the package substrate and a second structure that redirects incident light to the second side of the package substrate. The silicon dice may overlap to allow satisfactory alignment between the silicon dice and the prisms.

Abstract: A battery cell pack has a plurality of battery cells that are assembled into a prismatic frame, with deformable separators interposed to accommodate elastic and plastic deformation caused by cyclic and acyclic expansion and contraction thereof during charging and discharging over the life of the battery cell pack. The battery cells are arranged in a horizontal stack within the prismatic frame, and the deformable separators are interposed between subsets of the battery cells. The deformable separators exert compressive force on the subsets of the battery cells along a longitudinal axis that is defined by the horizontal stack. The compressive force exerted by the deformable separators is at least a minimum force over a service life of the battery cell pack.

Abstract: Methods and systems for parallel processing of batch communications during data validation using a plurality of independent processing streams. For example, the system may receive a plurality of communications for batch processing during a predetermined time period. The system may process, with a batch configuration file, a first alphanumeric data string of a first communication of the plurality of communications. The system may process, with the batch configuration file, a second alphanumeric data string of a second communication of the plurality of communications. The system may direct the first communication to a first micro-batch for processing within the predetermined time period based on the first metadata tag, wherein the first micro-batch is processed using a first validation and enrichment protocol and a first micro-batch configuration file, wherein the first validation and enrichment protocol and the first micro-batch configuration file are specific to the first source.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a new key fob. Some embodiments include a programmable remote transmitter, designed, and programmed to perform single or multiple operations, optionally incorporated into a custom-made base that attaches to a smart phone case or other mobile devices. The remote transmitter is designed and activated via secured programming provided by an application on the user's mobile device, without the intervention of car dealers, locksmiths or using difficult manual processes. The remote transmitter can be attached to smart phones, mobile devices, or other suitable surfaces (e.g., a briefcase or a vehicle's dashboard) for safekeeping and accessibility.

Abstract: An organic slurry for use in wood-based composites is described herein. In one aspect, the organic slurry may include water, a lignin material insoluble in the water, such as dewatered kraft lignin, and a defoamer. During manufacturing, the water, lignin material and defoamer may be combined and mixed together in a vessel to produce the organic slurry. In one aspect, the defoamer may include a water-based defoamer, a silicone-based defoamer, a silicone-free defoamer, an oil-based defoamer, a polymer-based defoamer, or mixtures thereof. The organic slurry may have a pH less than neutral.

Abstract: Content delivery and playback methods and apparatus are described. The methods and apparatus are well suited for delivery and playback of content corresponding to a 360 degree environment and can be used to support streaming and/or real time delivery of 3D content corresponding to an event, e.g., while the event is ongoing or after the event is over. Portions of the environment are captured by cameras located at different positions. The content captured from different locations is encoded and made available for delivery. A playback device selects the content to be received based in a user's head position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting the capture of images of surfaces of an environment visible from a default viewing position and capturing images of surfaces not visible from the default viewing position, e.g., occluded surfaces, are described. Occluded and non-occluded image portions are packed into one or more frames and communicated to a playback device for use as textures which can be applied to a model of the environment where the images were captured. An environmental model includes a model of surfaces which are occluded from view from a default viewing position but which maybe viewed is the user shifts the user's viewing location. Occluded image content can be incorporated directly into a frame that also includes non-occluded image data or sent in frames of a separate, e.g., auxiliary content stream that is multiplexed with the main content stream which communicates image data corresponding to non-occluded environmental portions.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to predict a time to failure of a vehicle component according to a damage model generated from vehicle operating data, based on the predicted time to failure, retrieve a schematic of the vehicle component and input the schematic to an additive printer to manufacture a replacement vehicle component, and replace the vehicle component with the replacement vehicle component according to maintenance instructions that, based at least in part on the predicted time to failure, specify a time and location to replace the vehicle component.

Abstract: A lead assembly and associated process include a lead and an integrated feature that facilitates extraction of the lead from the associated body passage. The integrated feature in one embodiment is a sheath received between the associated body passage and received over the lead. The sheath has a first portion extending from adjacent the proximal end to adjacent the distal end of the lead, where the first portion has an inner surface facing with the lead outer surface and the first portion having an outer surface facing radially outward from the lead outer surface. A second portion of the sheath extends from adjacent the distal end to adjacent the proximal end of the lead. The second portion has an inner surface received over the outer surface of the first portion, and the second portion further having an outer surface abutting an inner surface of the associated body passage that receives the lead therein. The integrated feature is alternatively a wire, band, or spoke assembly.

Abstract: To enhance a mono-output-only controller such as a mobile OS to support selective mono/stereo/mixed output, a stereo controller is instantiated in communication with the mono controller. The stereo controller coordinates stereo output, but calls and adapts functions already present in the mono controller for creating surface and image buffers, rendering, compositing, and/or merging. For content designated for 2D display, left and right surfaces are rendered from a mono perspective; for content designated for 3D display, left and right surfaces are rendered from left and right stereo perspectives, respectively. Some, all, or none of available content may be delivered to a stereo display in 3D, with a remainder delivered in 2D, and with comparable content still delivered in 2D to the mono display. The stereo controller is an add-on; the mono controller need not be replaced, removed, deactivated, or modified, facilitating transparency and backward compatibility.

Abstract: Wireless communications using multiple active resources (e.g., bandwidth parts (BWPs)) are described. A wireless device may perform failure event detection, such as radio link monitoring (RLM) and/or beam failure detection (BFD), jointly or separately for multiple active resources (e.g., BWPs) based on one or more criteria.

Abstract: A charging system for a battery powered vehicle may include a memory configured to maintain customer accounts, and a processor configured to receive requests from a first customer at a charging station for an increased rate of charge, transmit the request to at least one other customer at the charging station in response to verification of the customer account associated with the first customer; and instruct the charging station to increase the rate of charge for the first customer and decrease the rate of charge for the at least one other customer in response to the at least one other customer accepting the request.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a wireless communication network and managing priority uplift for mobile communication devices of public stewardship workers.