Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method and an apparatus for video coding. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry can decode encoding information for a block of a picture in a coded video bitstream. The encoding information indicates a position of a sub-region in the block and a position of an additional sub-region in each of at least one neighboring block of the block. A combined sub-region includes the sub-region and the additional sub-region in each of the at least one neighboring block. The combined sub-region is at a center of a combined block including the block and the at least one neighboring block. The processing circuitry can reconstruct first samples that are inside the combined sub-region using residue data of the first samples and reconstruct second samples that are outside of the combined sub-region in the combined block without residue data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for echoing media via a mobile device are disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the method can include displaying automatically to a user, on the mobile device, a list of one or more respective identifiers of one or more other users experiencing respective media within a selectable geographic area. The user is then allowed to select whether to play one or more of the respective media on the mobile device, and can connect with the one or more other users via a social networking site. As a result, the user can network with previously unknown people, based on a common taste in music or other media, for example, as well as a geographic location.

Abstract: A tubular structure having variable support includes a tubular member and a structural support member with a flexible tubular member over the structural support member, such that the flexible tubular member can engage and disengage or squeeze and release the structural support member. The structural support member can be a tubular mesh, stent, framework, skeleton, braid or other flexible framework. A fluid passage can be used to inflate and deflate the flexible tubular member. Methods of assembly and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Adding a cationic starch and/or an anionic starch to a conventional demulsifier or water clarifier reduces activity of the resulting product without losing demulsifier or water clarifier performance.

Abstract: A method of fitting a three dimensional (3D) model to input data is described. Input data comprises a 3D scan and associated appearance information. The 3D scan depicts a composite object having elements from at least two classes. A texture model is available which, given an input vector, computes, for each of the classes, a texture and a mask. A joint optimization is computed to find values of the input vector and values of parameters of the 3D model, where the optimization enforces that the 3D model, instantiated by the values of the parameters, gives a simulated texture which agrees with the input data in a region specified by the mask associated with the 3D model; such that the 3D model is fitted to the input data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for controlling data access and/or accessing data in a distributed network. An identifier may be generated for confidential data. A hash generator may generate a first hash of the confidential data, and generate a second hash based on the first hash and the identifier. A data packet set that includes the confidential data, the identifier, and the second hash may be encrypted and transmitted between nodes of the distributed network. A receiving node may decrypt the packet set using one or more appropriate encryption keys and regenerate the second hash from the confidential data and the identifier. The regenerated hash may be compared against the decrypted hash to authenticate the received confidential data and/or validated against a revocable hash stored in an array of the owning node that is accessible by any receiving node.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a flow outlet airline in fluid communication with the tubing and breath detection software. The flow outlet airline includes an airline outlet, and the flow outlet airline is configured to supply an output gas to a user via the airline outlet. The breathing apparatus further includes a breath detection airline including an airline inlet. The breath detection airline is configured to receive breathing gas from the user during exhalation by the user via the airline inlet. The breathing apparatus further includes a pressure sensor in direct fluid communication with the breath detection airline. The pressure sensor is configured to measure breathing pressure from the user and to generate sensor pressure data indicative of breathing by the user. The controller is programmed to predict the breathing by the user based on the sensor breathing data received from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An extruded rail assembly including a first multi-channel extrusion having at least two tubular channels connected by a center rib, and having a joining end configured for joining at a predetermined angle to a joining end of a second multi-channel extrusion. The second multi-channel extrusion includes at least two tubular channels connected by a center rib, and having a joining end configured for joining at the predetermined angle to the joining end of first multi-channel extrusion. The joining ends of the first and second multi-channel extrusions are configured such that the center ribs complementarily engage as a joining surface.

Abstract: A functionalized microporous, mesoporous, or nanoporous membrane, material, textile, composite, laminate, or the like, and/or a method of making or using such functionalized membranes. The functionalized porous membrane may be a functionalized microporous, mesoporous, or nanoporous membrane that has a functional molecule attached, such as a functional polymer, to the surface and/or internal fibrillar structure of the membrane.

Abstract: An electronic pen includes a pen tip, circuitry, and a shell. The shell houses the circuitry and is coupled to the pen tip. The pen tip includes a primary conductor, a secondary conductor and shielding between the primary conductor and the secondary conductor. The circuitry includes a transmit/receive circuit, a raw data circuit, and a secondary circuit. The transmit/receive circuit receives a signal from a touch screen via the primary conductor, generates a ring-back signal based on the signal, and transmits the ring-back signal via the primary conductor to the touch screen. The raw data circuit generates raw data regarding the electronic pen. The secondary circuit receives the raw data, up-converts the raw data into a data transmit signal, and transmits the data transmit signal via the secondary conductor to the touch screen.

Abstract: A stage cementing system includes a stage cementing assembly having a stage tool. The stage tool has an outer mandrel, an inner mandrel coupled to and disposed inside of the outer mandrel, an annular chamber between the outer mandrel and the inner mandrel, a first outer port through the outer mandrel, and longitudinally spaced first and second inner ports through the inner mandrel. The stage cementing system further includes an inner string assembly configured to be located inside the inner mandrel. The inner string assembly has a tubular body having a central throughbore and longitudinally spaced first and second side ports, a lower external seal element below the first and second side ports, a middle external seal element between the first and second side ports, and an upper external seal element above the first and second side ports.

Abstract: Example embodiments of systems and methods for data transmission system between transmitting and receiving devices are provided. In an embodiment, each of the transmitting and receiving devices can contain a master key. The transmitting device can generate a diversified key using the master key, protect a counter value and encrypt data prior to transmitting to the receiving device, which can generate the diversified key based on the master key and can decrypt the data and validate the protected counter value using the diversified key.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, systems, apparatus, interfaces, methods, and articles of manufacture are provided for ascertaining aspects of a user, such as the user's identity, competence, health, and state of mind. In various embodiments, data is captured about a user via a headset worn by the user. Based on the data, a determination may be made about an aspect of the user, and the user may accordingly be granted or denied access to a resource.