Abstract: A system and method of identifying a position of a crop row in a field, where an image of two or more crop rows is transmitted to a vision data processor. A preferential scan line profile in a search space about a candidate scan line profile is determined, and the candidate scan line profile is identified as a preferential scan line profile for estimating a position (e.g., peak variation) of one or more crop rows if a variation in the intensity level of the candidate scan line profile exceeds a threshold variation value. Alternatively, a position datum associated with a highest intensity value within the array of vector quantities can be selected as being indicative of a candidate position of a crop row. The candidate position is then identified as a preliminary row position if a variation in intensity level of the candidate scan line profile exceeds a threshold variation value.

Abstract: A system and method of identifying a position of a crop row in a field, where an image of two or more crop rows is transmitted to a vision data processor. The vision data processor defines a candidate scan line profile for a corresponding heading and pitch of associated with a directional movement of a vehicle, for example, traversing the two or more crop rows. The candidate scan line profile comprises an array of vector quantities, where each vector quantity comprises an intensity value and a corresponding position datum. A preferential scan line profile in a search space about the candidate scan line profile is determined, and the candidate scan line profile is identified as a preferential scan line profile for estimating a position (e.g., peak variation) of one or more crop rows if a variation in the intensity level of the candidate scan line profile exceeds a threshold variation value.

Abstract: A pan tilt tracking mount is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the pan tilt tracking mount includes an at least one housing, wherein interior dimensions of the at least one housing are precisely defined; a first assembly located within the at least one housing based upon at least one of the precisely defined interior dimensions, the first assembly including a first shaft and a first worm gear set, wherein the first worm gear set allows tilt rotation of the first assembly; and a second assembly located within the at least one housing based upon at least one of the precisely defined interior dimensions, the second assembly including a second shaft and a second worm gear set, wherein the second worm gear set allows pan rotation of the second assembly.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a density map is disclosed. The density map is a cellular grid representing local terrain, wherein each cell contains a density vector representing the density of portion of the terrain corresponding to the cell. The density map can be used to classify and characterize the surrounding terrain, which is useful in making a determination of the traversability of the terrain to mobile vehicles.

Abstract: A kayak is disclosed having improved control and bracing for acommodating a kayaker wherein a cockpit rim encircles the cockpit seat and adjustable thigh braces are provided in the seat. The adjustable thigh braces include a right thigh brace carried in said cockpit for receiving the right thigh of the kayaker and having contoured outer and inner thigh braces for bracing respective outer and inner thigh portions of the kayaker's right thigh when in the seated position. A left thigh brace is carried in the cockpit for receiving the left thigh of the kayaker having contoured outer and inner thigh braces for bracing respective outer and inner thigh portions of the kayaker's left thigh when in the seated position.

Abstract: A recommendation process includes the consideration of the compatibility of the items being recommended. An electronic processing system for generating a compatibility-aware recommendation output set to a is user based, at least in part, on a set of item compatibility rules. The system includes a processing system of one or more processors configured to receive applicable data, including i) user preference data, and ii) item compatibility rules, and to produce a compatibility-aware recommendation output set using the user preference data and the item compatibility rules. A method and computer-readable storage device containing the method are also presented.

Abstract: The invention includes an electronic processing system, a method and a computer readable storage device for generating a serendipity-weighted recommendation output set to a user based, at least in part, on a serendipity function. The system includes a processing system to receive user item preference data and community item popularity data. The processing system is also configured to produce an item recommendation set from the user item preference data, produce a set of item serendipity control values in response to the serendipity function and the community item popularity data, and combine the item recommendation set with the set of item serendipity control values to produce a serendipity-weighted and filtered recommendation output set. The method includes receiving item preference data and community item popularity data.

Abstract: The invention includes a system, method and article of manufacture for generating a serendipity-weighted recommendation output set to a user based, at least in part, on a serendipity function. The system includes a processing system of one or more processors configured to receive applicable data that includes item recommendation data and community item popularity data. The processing system is also configured to produce a set of item serendipity control values in response to the serendipity function and the community item popularity data, and to combine the item recommendation data with the set of item serendipity control values to produce a serendipity-weighted and filtered recommendation output set. The method includes receiving applicable data by the processing system, including inputting item recommendation data and community item popularity data.

Abstract: A kinesthetic seat assembly is disclosed for a watercraft used in white water conditions of the type having a hull and a cockpit opening formed in the hull for access to a cockpit seat assembly of the watercraft. The seat assembly includes a contoured seat with a pair of opposing contoured upper leg supports, a contoured buttock support, and an adjustable kinesthetic crotch pod assembly. The crotch pad assembly is carried by a medial portion of the seat assembly between the opposing upper leg supports, and includes a crotch pod constructed from a shapeable material which may be contoured and customized for the anatomy of an individual boater. An adjustment mechanism mounts the crotch pod to the medial portion of the seat assembly for adjusting the position of the crotch pod on the medial portion in a longitudinal direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the kayak to fit the boater.

Abstract: A open cockpit kayak is provided including an improved thighstrap arrangement. The arrangement includes left and right thighstraps situated on respective sides of the cockpit area and extending in the longitudinal direction of the hull. Opposite ends of each thighstrap are movably connected to the hull at respective fore and aft connection locations. Each of the thighstraps includes an elastic element to maintain it in tension between the respective fore and aft connection locations. As a result, the thighstraps will generally remain taut against the hull when not in use. Further, the thighstraps will remain in engagement with a paddler's knees during use so that the paddler may easily achieve positive control of the kayak.

Abstract: A molded strap channel and method are disclosed for a kayak and the like or article molded from a flexible skin using a rotational molding process. The strap channel includes a continuous channel having an arcuate shape and a continuous taper from a first channel opening to a second channel opening. First and second channel openings open in a common surface of the flexible skin of the hull and lie generally in a common plane. In accordance with the method, a rotational molding process is disclosed wherein plastic material in a split mold is subjected to a rotational molding process which forms a thin, plastic hull and a continuous strap channel molded about a forming member attached to one-half of the mold. The forming member is unattached from the mold, and the hull is removed from the mold whereby the forming member is tapped and removed from the strap channel so that a continuous strap channel is molded as one-piece with the hull having first and second channel openings as described above.

Abstract: A semiconductor transducer (10) including a substrate having a well (18) formed in one surface thereof and a semiconductor layer (14) having a first surface (26) bonded to the substrate about the periphery of the well to form a diaphragm (30) and a second surface (28) which is substantially parallel to the first surface and has a pedestal (16) projecting therefrom which is disposed above the well. The side walls (32) of the pedestal are substantially orthogonal to the second surface of the semiconductor layer and are formed by sawing edge portions of said semiconductor layer. The substrate includes structures (38) which extend upward from the bottom of the well to limit the deflection of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A semiconductor transducer (10) including a substrate having a well (18) formed in one surface thereof and a semiconductor layer (14) having a first surface (26) bonded to the substrate about the periphery of the well to form a diaphragm (30) and a second surface (28) which is substantially coplanar to the first surface and has a pedestal (16) projecting therefrom which is disposed above the well. The side walls (32) of the pedestal are substantially orthogonal to the second surface of the semiconductor layer. Means (34) are provided for sensing the deflection of the diaphragm as a function of force applied to the pedestal. The substrate includes protrusions (38) which extend upward from the bottom of the well to limit the deflection of the diaphragm.